Arne Slot confirmed as new Liverpool manager

Feyenoord’s head coach Arne Slot has been officially named as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool. The Premier League giants confirmed the appointment on Monday, revealing that the 45-year-old Dutchman will take the reins starting June 1, pending a work permit.

Liverpool’s statement remained tight-lipped about the contract’s specifics, but insiders from Sky Sports suggest Slot has signed a lucrative three-year deal. The compensation for Slot’s transition is reported to be around £9.4 million ($12 million).

Slot’s move to Anfield has been one of football’s worst-kept secrets, with the coach himself acknowledging his new venture during his final press conference at Feyenoord. His predecessor, Klopp, who announced his departure in January, delivered an emotional farewell speech after a victorious 2-0 match against Wolves, urging fans to support Slot wholeheartedly.

“You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me,” Klopp encouraged the Anfield faithful. “You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team.”

Arne Slot’s managerial journey has been nothing short of impressive. After making waves at AZ Alkmaar, he joined Feyenoord in 2021. Slot’s tenure saw the Dutch side reach the Europa Conference League final in his debut season and clinch the Eredivisie title last season, their first in 24 years. This season, Feyenoord celebrated a Dutch Cup victory and a strong second-place league finish.

Liverpool captain and fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has praised Slot’s dynamic approach, expressing confidence that his attacking philosophy will resonate well at Anfield.

Initially, speculation was rife about Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso stepping into Klopp’s shoes. However, Alonso chose to stay with Leverkusen after securing their maiden Bundesliga title.

As Klopp exits on a high note, having led Liverpool to a League Cup victory and a third-place Premier League finish this season, the stage is set for Arne Slot to begin a new chapter at Anfield. Fans eagerly anticipate how Slot’s fresh vision and strategy will shape Liverpool’s future.