Arne Slot believes that managing Liverpool will not be a bigger challenge than Feyenoord, and the Dutch coach is ready to face immense pressure.
According to reliable sources, Arne Slot will be appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool after this season. Feyenoord and Liverpool have reached an agreement, which will be officially announced after the current season.
Slot began his coaching career at AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie in the summer of 2019. After a season and a half there, he was appointed as the coach of Feyenoord in July 2021, after being out of work for six months. Slot then won the Eredivisie title with the club last season and lifted the KNVB Cup this season.
While some believe that the role at Liverpool comes with a different level of pressure and requires a significant step up from his current job, Slot holds a different view. The Dutch coach told Sport Witness, “I think the manager of any top club is on the verge of being overwhelmed. Being a head coach is already a very difficult job, especially in a big club, with many people giving their opinions every week.”
However, there are still certain doubts among experts about whether Arne Slot can successfully take over the hot seat at Anfield. Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson expressed concerns about whether Slot can follow in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps. While acknowledging Slot’s success in the Netherlands, Johnson still has reservations, stating, “There are big question marks. Slot has clearly done well at Feyenoord, helping them finish second in the Eredivisie. He has contributed to them playing fantastic football.”
“But it’s uncertain whether Slot can inherit from Klopp and make Liverpool better than they currently are. In a different football environment, Slot will need time and effort to replicate the style of football he had at Feyenoord within the Liverpool team. He might succeed, although it’s very challenging for Slot to follow the huge shadow of Jurgen Klopp.”
On the other hand, Johnson believes that Liverpool will still compete for the Premier League title with Arsenal and Manchester City in the upcoming season. He stated, “I still think Liverpool, with their existing squad, have the ability to challenge for the Premier League title. I’m not sure if it will be a three-way or two-way race for the title next season, but I’m certain Liverpool will be one of them.”
Currently, Liverpool is in third place in the Premier League standings, trailing the league leaders by 9 points. Although their title race has ended, the Merseyside club has comfortably secured a Champions League spot, being 11 points ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa. Liverpool will face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on the final day of the Premier League on May 19.