Jamie Carragher has questioned Liverpool’s decision to appoint Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, suggesting that the club should have considered a “proven winner” such as Thomas Tuchel instead. Slot, 45, is set to take over at Anfield at the end of the season after impressing during his time in charge of Feyenoord, winning the Eredivisie last season and the KNVB Cup earlier this month. However, Carragher believes that Liverpool should have placed more focus on Tuchel, who is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season. Writing in The Telegraph, Carragher said: “I would have given more thorough consideration to a coach like Thomas Tuchel, who took on and beat Pep Guardiola in the ultimate test – a Champions League final.” Tuchel followed Klopp at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and did well. It has not worked out at Bayern Munich this season, but you only have to look at Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery to recognise how top coaches recover from setbacks” Carragher acknowledged that Slot has “credentials”, having also led Feyenoord to the Conference League final in 2022. But Carragher admitted the Dutchman’s arrival will not excite Liverpool fans, saying: “If Klopp was in charge next season, Liverpool would move forward and challenge again at home and in Europe. With Slot, that absolute belief will give way to hope. “That’s not intended in any way as a criticism. Once Klopp announced he was going and Xabi Alonso ruled himself out, Liverpool’s options were limited. “No matter how brilliant Slot is – and no one wins a league title or leads a side to a European final without serious credentials – the next coach was always going to be highly regarded but not one to necessarily get pulses racing. “Since the Slot news broke, I have heard and read many perspectives suggesting that the choice makes sense tactically and how the data regarding Feynoord’s style makes him a natural fit. “Slot is an appointment made with the head rather than the heart. Klopp’s appeal was to the head and heart. “When Klopp joined in 2015, Liverpool supporters were grateful he chose the club when he could have waited for any in the world. When Slot arrives, he will be grateful Liverpool chose him and needs to justify the selection. The appointment is intriguing rather than exciting. “For the last nine years, Liverpool have possessed one of the top two managers in the world. They are now gambling on the next big thing rather than appointing a proven, real deal.” Carragher’s comments echo those of many Liverpool fans, who are concerned that Slot may not have the experience or the charisma to succeed Klopp. However, Slot does have a strong track record of success, and he will be hoping to prove his doubters wrong when he takes over at Anfield.
Jamie Carragher questions Liverpool’s choice of Arne Slot over Thomas Tuchel as Jurgen Klopp’s successor
