The exciting three-year tenure of Arne Slot as Feyenoord’s head coach seems to be nearing its end.
“After much effort in the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Liverpool has reached an agreement to appoint Slot as the replacement for the legendary German coach.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and several reputable European newspapers, Arne Slot will be the new head coach of Liverpool, replacing Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season! Furthermore, the Italian journalist revealed that The Kop will pay a compensation fee ranging from 13 to 15 million Euros to Feyenoord – the club Slot currently manages.
However, Paul Joyce of The Times believes that the fee will be lower – around 9 million Euros with an additional 2 million Euros as a supplementary fee.”
It’s said that Arne Slot will lead Liverpool in the upcoming season.
It’s easy to see why Slot has emerged as Liverpool’s top target; in just a few seasons at the helm, he revitalized the once-dormant giant Feyenoord.
Upon his appointment in 2021, the Eredivisie club hadn’t reached a European final in 20 years and hadn’t won a championship since 2017. Now, the 45-year-old tactician is departing having achieved both and then some.
But who is Arne Slot, and just how good is he really?
Which team Slot is coaching?
Arne Slot is in charge of Feyenoord, having held the position since July 1, 2021.
Slot often deploys which formation?
Slot typically deploys a 4-3-3 formation, although he’s also known to utilize a 4-2-3-1 setup.
How good is the slot that Liverpool aims to replace Klopp?
Promising start
Once a renowned midfielder in the Netherlands known for his vision and passing ability, Slot’s coaching career has seen considerably more success than his time as a player. After retiring at PEC Zwolle in 2013, he rose through the coaching ranks at the club’s youth level before becoming an assistant coach and later an interim head coach at second-tier side Cambuur.
In this latter role, Slot led the club to their first KNVB Cup semi-final and fought for promotion, ultimately falling short in the playoffs in 2017.
Solid progress
Slot left to join AZ Alkmaar as an assistant and eventually became the head coach in the summer of 2019.
Despite only overseeing the Alkmaar-based club for a year and a half, this strategist made a name for himself by finishing as runners-up after Ajax (on goal difference) in the shortened 2019/20 season due to the Covid pandemic. Ultimately, he left as the coach with the best points-per-game ratio in AZ Alkmaar’s history. However, Slot was dismissed in December 2020 for unauthorized negotiations with Feyenoord.
The Dutch coach officially joined the Rotterdam giants – Feyenoord – for the 2021/22 season and immediately led them to their first European final in 20 years, reaching the UEFA Conference League final, where they unfortunately lost to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Emerging as one of the most promising coaches in Europe
In the following season, Slot led Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title since 2017 with an attractive attacking style of play. This was followed by another trophy in the 2023/24 season when they defeated NEC Nijmegen to win the KNVB Cup in April 2024.
Despite still being a young coach, Slot boasts an impressive CV and is considered one of the brightest football minds in the Netherlands.
Slot toppled Ajax and transformed Feyenoord into the number one team in the Netherlands.
Comparing him with other young coaches
Slot is now rumored to be preparing to join Liverpool to succeed Jurgen Klopp, and Red Devils fans can expect an exciting brand of football from this coach. Dutch football expert Milan Keskin told FootballTransfers: “Slot’s style of play is attacking. He demands a lot from his players, who fully support his approach to the game.”
This assessment is clearly illustrated by reports from the Netherlands that some Feyenoord players will consider their futures if Slot departs.
“Slot is known to be involved in football day and night. He may be compared to Manchester United’s coach Erik ten Hag in many aspects. However, I believe that Slot is stronger tactically and also a better ambassador for the club than Ten Hag. Liverpool’s choice of Slot is absolutely fantastic,” Keskin added.
Slot has been compared to many emerging coaches in his generation, foremost among them Roberto de Zerbi of Brighton, whom Liverpool is also keen on recruiting.
Arne Slot is being compared to both Ten Hag and Roberto De Zerbi.
Arne Slot shares similarities with Jurgen Klopp during his early days at Anfield. Accordingly, Slot wants his team to relentlessly press, firmly adhering to the principle that controlling the game is the best form of defense.
Despite being an attack-minded coach, Slot also emphasizes discipline and adherence to the system. He pays particular attention to the defensive line, especially in counter-pressing and high pressing – much like Jurgen Klopp.
Compliments from Arsenal players
Nelson, Arsenal’s player currently on loan at Feyenoord, has been full of praise for this coach: “I feel Arne Slot is a fantastic manager. He really helped me get back on track. He has given me a lot of opportunities to play and I have done well.”
“It’s really amazing, as I said, we made it to the final. There were some little things with personal life, no family around, the situation with the Corona virus. So, there were some difficulties. But in terms of football, it’s been perfect.”
What titles has the Slot won?
Slot won the Eredivisie season 2022/23 and KNVB Cup 2023/24 with Feyenoord.
Which teams has Slot led before?
Slot had a temporary stint at Cambuur and served as the head coach of AZ Alkmaar from July 2019 to December 2020.
How old is Slot?
Slot was born on September 17, 1978, only 45 years old this year.