Jamie Carragher has urged caution for Liverpool as they consider Arne Slot, the Dutch manager of Feyenoord, as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp. Carragher believes the move from the Eredivisie to the Premier League would be a significant challenge for Slot.
Slot has emerged as a serious candidate to replace Klopp, who announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season. The 45-year-old Slot has guided Feyenoord to victory in the KNVB Cup and is known for his progressive coaching style.
However, Carragher expressed concern that the Liverpool job could be too demanding for Slot, who was also considered by Tottenham and Chelsea last summer. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Everton, Carragher said, “What I would say is (going) from Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump.”
Carragher explained, “I think it shows that at this moment there’s probably a dearth of real top managers out there. I don’t think it’s like Rafa Benitez coming in or Jurgen Klopp coming in. Benitez coming in from the back of two league titles and a UEFA Cup or Jurgen Klopp coming in from winning a couple of league titles with Dortmund, getting to a Champions League final.”
Slot’s lack of experience at a top club like Liverpool is a concern raised by Carragher. He acknowledged that Slot had done well at Feyenoord but emphasized the need for a manager with a proven track record at the highest level.
Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool in January, leaving the club searching for a new manager. Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso was initially the favorite to replace Klopp, but he decided to extend his stay in Germany after winning the Bundesliga title.
Other options for Liverpool include Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim and former Reds player Dietmarr Hamann, who suggested Jose Mourinho as a potential candidate. However, Slot has captured the imagination of Liverpool fans, particularly after an old video of his passionate post-match team talk resurfaced on social media.
In his speech, Slot emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, qualities that have resonated with Liverpool supporters. Just two months after that speech, Feyenoord won the Eredivisie title under Slot’s guidance.
While it remains to be seen who Liverpool will choose as their next manager, Slot has certainly emerged as a strong contender. His impressive work at Feyenoord and his ability to motivate players have made him a popular choice among the club’s fanbase. However, as Carragher has cautioned, the transition to the Premier League would be a significant challenge for Slot, and Liverpool will need to carefully consider all their options before making a decision.
