Arne expected to Slot right in at Liverpool
ARNE Slot, the former Feyenoord coach who was confirmed as Liverpool manager on Monday, is known as a passionate leader who gets the most out of his players and demands a strong work ethic.
A fan of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Slot was a slick forward as a player with a reputation as an accurate passer – so much so he has a move named after him.
Here, we look at five key facts about the 45-year-old, who will replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Arne Slot Pass
Slot joined PEC Zwolle as a 17-yearold striker known more for his technique than his running.
“Many people thought Arne was lazy and phlegmatic. But that wasn’t right. You just shouldn’t expect sliding tackles,” his former coach Jan Everse told public broadcaster NOS.
“Silky” and “cultured” are words often used to describe his playing style, and PEC Zwolle still employ the ‘Arne Slot Pass’, said former teammate Bram van Polen.
The Arne Slot Pass is a slight deflection from a forward with his back to goal, which splits the defence and releases a winger running off the ball.
Dressing room style
When Slot’s name became linked to the Anfield job, Liverpool fans, looking for clues to their future boss’ style, widely shared a rousing team talk he gave Feyenoord players after a historic victory at Ajax.
“The reason why we are where we are today is because you work your ass off every single day. And that’s the reason you could beat this team in their own stadium, without our fans being here,” he told the dressing room.
“But it’s only a win. It’s a big win, but we have a bigger goal this season than winning for the first time in 17 years in Amsterdam,” Slot said to cheers from the team.
Spurs links
Liverpool were not the first Premier League club to show interest in Slot. He was heavily linked with Tottenham during their troubled search to replace Antonio Conte in May last year.
As Spurs were reportedly about to seal the deal, Slot abruptly walked out, signing a new contract instead with Rotterdam-based Feyenoord.
“The decisive factor was playing in the Champions League … the fact that I am having a great time privately and being able to build on the past two seasons,” said the Dutchman at the time.
Guardiola fan
The British press have already dubbed Slot the “Dutch Pep Guardiola” for the high-pressing attacking style much beloved by Feyenoord fans.
In several interviews, he has cited Guardiola as his role model, telling the Algemeen Dagblad last year: “Players always look very good under him. And the same players seem worse with managers before and after him.”
Slot certainly admires the legendary Spanish coach of Manchester City but will now face the task of trying to stop him from winning a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title next season.
Run, run, run
As a coach, Slot is known for a fierce work ethic, driving to Feyenoord’s camp before dawn, watching every training session, and obsessively studying future opponents.
This has led to results for Feyenoord, seen as a team with physically fit players who work hard for each other and often score late goals. Slot appears to have cultivated this work ethic as a manager, rather than when he was a player.