Arne Slot has verified that next season will see him stepping into the shoes of Liverpool’s current manager. The 45-year-old formerly at Feyenoord hinted at a speedy forthcoming official declaration of his new role by the Merseyside club.
In his final media interaction as Feyenoord’s manager prior to their game against Excelsior, Slot stated, “I can certify that I will hold a coaching position at Liverpool in the succeeding season.”
Jurgen Klopp is set to retire from Anfield after a tenure of nine years at the culmination of this season. Liverpool is certain that they have discovered the ideal successor in their hunt for Klopp’s replacement.
A negotiation regarding compensation was settled with the Dutch team in late April, a point at which Liverpool regarded the arrangement as finalised. A post on Feyenoord’s official web portal announced that Slot’s departure from the team will be marked by the season’s final match against Excelsior and will be celebrated with a farewell event celebrating his successful tenure at De Kuip, which included a championship and Cup victory.
Earlier this month, Slot, whose team is presently second to PSV in the league, had expressed his confidence in the conclusion of the deal, hinting that no updates would likely be offered till season’s end. He assured a question-answer session post the official confirmation. The slot also clarified that his official designation at Liverpool, whether it be ‘manager’ or ‘head coach’, held no importance for him but instead desired to concentrate on his work with the players, both on the pitch and during matches.
The previous midfielder had a career with NAC Breda, Zwolle, and Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Following his transition to coaching roles at AZ Alkmaar and Cambuur, he took over the managerial position at AZ Alkmaar during a Covid-interrupted 2019–20 season. Despite the shortened season, AZ climbed to second place, edged out only by Ajax on goal difference.
Slot assumed the role at Feyenoord in December 2020, after Dick Advocaat, and enlisted the assistance of former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie. Feyenoord made it to their maiden Europa Conference League title decider in May 2022 under his leadership, finishing third in the league despite a loss to Roma. Feyenoord, guided by Slot in his second tenure at De Kuip, secured their first Eredivisie title since 2017 and went on to clench the 2024 KNVB Cup, defeating NEC Nijmegen.
Slot carries a wealth of European experience as he steps into the role of Liverpool’s new manager, a position accompanied by high expectations for more unforgettable European performances at Anfield. His managerial career includes leading AZ to the Europa League in 2019, facing Manchester United, and navigating Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final in 2022. His triumph in the Eredivisie paved the way for a Champions League shot in the 2023–24 season.
Despite victories over Celtic and Lazio, the Dutch team did not advance to the knockout stage, later succumbing to Roma in the Europa League playoff round.