Liverpool is still in search of their next manager, with Jurgen Klopp set to leave Anfield this summer after nine seasons at the helm. And with top target Xabi Alonso announcing he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen moving forward after winning the Bundesliga, the Reds have shifted their focus elsewhere.
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim was on the club’s radar but he’s also planning to stay in Portugal. Now, Liverpool has identified Feyenoord gaffer Arne Slot as a leading candidate to take over for Klopp in 2024-25, via Mark Ogden of ESPN.
That being said, ESPN’s sources say that both Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also interested in Slot, which means Liverpool may have some competition for his services.
Slot’s managerial resume
Liverpool will continue to assess other candidates, but Slot is an interesting option. The Dutchman was appointed as Feyenoord manager in July of 2021 and has compiled a 64.3 winning percentage since then, leading the Eredivisie giants to the title in 2022-23. They were also the runner-up in the 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League. Prior to joining the club, Slot was in charge of AZ Alkmaar for just over a year.
Slot is an advocate for an attacking brand of football, which is undoubtedly appealing to Liverpool because Klopp is very similar. He also has an impressive track record of developing young talent. Slot only tasted defeat twice last season en route to the most prized trophy in the Eredivisie.
Difficult for Liverpool to replace Klopp
Let’s be honest. It will be extremely difficult for the Merseysiders to replace a coach like Klopp, who has an infectious energy and a special connection with all of his players and the fans. The German has enjoyed boatloads of success at Anfield, winning eight trophies in total. That includes a Premier League title, a Champions League title, and two Carabao Cups. Liverpool was also a runner-up in Europe’s most prized competition on two occasions.
Klopp reportedly told the Liverpool board last November his intention to step down this summer, with the club making it clear they will take a “data-led” approach to find their next boss, per ESPN. Slot reportedly fits their criteria perfectly.
Although the 45-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal with the Rotterdam outfit that will last until 2026, the Reds do believe they can lure Slot away from the club for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Liverpool. Slot already turned down managerial opportunities with Chelsea and Tottenham previously.
Reds looking to finish Klopp era strong
Liverpool was shockingly knocked out of Europa last week by Serie A standouts Atalanta in the quarterfinals, leaving them with just one trophy left to play for: The Premier League title. Klopp’s men are currently second in the table behind Arsenal ahead of the Merseyside Derby against Everton on Wednesday.
With just five games left on the schedule, the Reds must be at their absolute best. After visiting the Toffees, West Ham, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Wolves are up next. One slip-up could cost them a chance to finish the Klopp era on top.
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