Arne Slot, the 45-year-old head coach of Feyenoord, has made a name for himself as a manager who can get the most out of his teams. Like fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag of Manchester United, Slot has honed his skills at smaller clubs before landing a top job in the Netherlands. Now, Liverpool are considering whether Slot could be the man to succeed Jürgen Klopp, just as Ten Hag was seen as a strong candidate for United.
As a player, Slot was known for his silky skills as a number 10, and he even had a pass named after him: “The Arne Slot Ball.” This involved a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run onto.
Slot’s coaching style is heavily influenced by his playing days. His teams play an attractive brand of football, with a focus on pressing and quick passing. He is also known for his ability to improve players and give youngsters a chance. This has led to Feyenoord being one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Netherlands, despite having a relatively modest budget.
Slot has already had some success in Europe, leading Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final in his debut season. He also won the Netherlands’ Manager of the Year award in 2022, ahead of Ten Hag.
However, Slot has also faced some challenges. Feyenoord failed to get out of their Champions League group this season, and they lost their Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven. Additionally, key players Luis Sinisterra and Marcos Senesi left the club for the Premier League last summer.
Despite these setbacks, Slot remains a highly-rated coach. He is seen as a potential successor to Klopp at Liverpool, who is expected to leave the club in the near future. Slot ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool: he plays attractive football, he improves players, and he is known for his clear communication and man-management skills.
Whether Slot can match Klopp’s achievements at Liverpool remains to be seen. However, he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe, and he would be a strong candidate to take over at Anfield.
