• Manager ‘hated’ the performance in Everton defeat
• ‘It wasn’t the first poor one but it was the worst one’

Jürgen Klopp has blamed himself for Liverpool’s damaging end-of-season slump despite almost singing “We want to see you fight” at his players for the first time in his managerial career during their derby defeat by Everton.

The Liverpool manager insists he is responsible for failing to galvanise his team into attacking the title run-in with their usual brand of “positive football”. Wednesday’s 2-0 loss at Goodison Park, which may well have ruined Liverpool’s title prospects, left Klopp more frustrated and disappointed after a defeat than he can ever remember. “I hated our game,” he said on Friday, when his despondency remained clear.

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• Feyenoord set to receive £7.7m after verbal agreement made
• Klopp says position is ‘best in the world at the best club’

Arne Slot is set to become Liverpool’s next manager after the terms of his move from Feyenoord were agreed in principle between the two clubs on Friday.

Liverpool and Feyenoord have been negotiating a compensation package since the Anfield club made an official move for the 45-year-old earlier this week. The two parties have now reached a verbal ­agreement over the deal, which will see ­Feyenoord receive €9m (£7.7m) plus €2m in add-ons for a coach who has two years remaining on his contract.

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Liverpool has made a breakthrough with Feyenoord, and Arne Slot is now expected to become the new manager. The Dutchman himself had previously confirmed that he was waiting on an agreement between the two clubs.

That compensation package has now been put together. Incredibly, Slot will become Feyenoord's record transfer.

It's also thought that Liverpool has shelled out one of the highest ever fees for a manager. Slot was contracted until 2026 with Feyenoord, and had no release clause.

READ MORE: Liverpool has $62m reason to hire Arne Slot but Michael Edwards must avoid Jürgen Klopp mistake

READ MORE: Liverpool and Feyenoord 'reach Arne Slot compensation agreement' with one thing left to do

The Athletic reported initially that a first offer of $9.6m (£7.7m/€9m) had been rejected by Feyenoord. The Telegraph believes that Liverpool may have agreed to a moderate compromise.

It reports that there are 'suggestions' that Liverpool has paid around $11.2m (£9m/€10.5m) to release Slot from his contract with the Dutch side. It comes after 48 hours of talks.

Jürgen Klopp gave his backing to Slot in his latest press conference. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has also come out in support of the appointment, which now looks imminent.

"I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment," declared Van Dijk. "With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach."

We'll soon see if Van Dijk is right. Slot has some big shoes to fill, and now a pretty hefty price tag, but Michael Edwards clearly believes he has found his man.

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Главный тренер «Фейеноорда» Арне Слот подписал контракт с «Ливерпулем», рассчитанный до 2027 года.

Arne Slot is set to become the next man in charge at Anfield.

On Friday night, Liverpool agreed a compensation package with Feyenoord that will allow the 45-year-old to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor following the conclusion of the current season.

Slot’s pedigree has grown across European football in the past 18 months after he led Feyenoord to only their second Eredivisie title in 20 years last season, losing just two games in the process.

Feyenoord’s 1-0 victory over NEC in the KNVB Cup last weekend secured a second trophy in three seasons for Slot but his reigning champions are nine points behind a rampant PSV Eindhoven at the top of the Eredivisie.

Yet this is hardly proof of a significant slump in performances. Feyenoord’s 2.4 points per game is actually identical to their title-winning campaign which reflects their consistency over a long period. In Peter Bosz’s PSV, they have simply been up against the most prolific chance creators across Europe’s top seven leagues.

If anything, Feyenoord’s vital signs look stronger this year under Slot, with their 1.9 expected goal difference per 90 minutes — which accounts for chances created and conceded — an improvement on last season’s 1.1.

The Athletic has previously unpacked Arne Slot, the player, the man, the manager — but what exactly is his tactical identity? And how might this translate to Liverpool’s current crop?

GO DEEPER

Arne Slot: the rise of Liverpool's incoming manager - 'He’s as honest as possible'

Liverpool have agreed a deal to appoint Arne Slot as their new manager — and The Athletic has every angle covered.

Slot knows little else but to play on the front foot, whoever the opponent may be.

The Dutchman commonly sets up with a 4-2-3-1 formation in possession, using a midfield double pivot to progress centrally through the first line of pressure, with a No 10, two wingers and a central striker.

Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola and Roberto De Zerbi are among the managers he is most inspired by, but Slot is also known to admire Marcelo Bielsa, Jorge Sampaoli, Jurgen Klopp, Luciano Spaletti and Mikel Arteta. He has also shared ideas with Liverpool assistant coach and fellow Dutchman Pep Lijnders.

Slot would frequently show his players clips of Manchester City and Brighton to show them how he wanted to play.

“We used a lot of videos of Manchester City and Bayern — he was crazy about Pep, how his teams create space, how they attack,” former AZ manager John van den Brom, who had Slot as one his assistants, told The Athletic.

One such video was of the 2021 Champions League final between City and Chelsea, which he showed to his players in his first team meeting at Feyenoord to demonstrate the quality of the two teams’ attacking play but also how well their defences countered it.

“What was nice for me is that he always thought in an attacking way,” Van den Brom added. “(His focus was) how can we make it clear to the players how we want to play? We were always searching for different ideas.”

When you watch Slot’s Feyenoord, you can see parallels with Guardiola and De Zerbi’s approach, particularly in build-up. Defenders are encouraged to play short passes into midfield, who then find the space out wide from the full-backs or wingers.

Take this recent example away to Fortuna Sittard.

Goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther attracts the pressure from the opposition striker, with centre-backs Thomas Beelen and David Hancko closely flanking him. Note the double pivot of Mats Wieffer and Quinten Timber operating on staggered lines in midfield, prepared to bounce the ball through the heart of the pitch for central progression — much like De Zerbi’s Brighton in a 3-2 set-up.

As Hancko receives it, he fizzes it forward into Timber, who attracts pressure from two Fortuna Sittard players. That opens up space for full-back Lutsharel Geertruida, who receives the pass from Timber as Feyenoord progress out of pressure.

This approach is reflected in Feyenoord’s playstyle wheel, which outlines how each team looks to play compared with Europe’s top seven leagues.

Feyenoord’s “Deep build-up” rating (86 out of 99) reflects how Slot will often ask his goalkeeper to keep his passes short into his centre-backs to build through the thirds. Unsurprisingly, Feyenoord will often dominate possession (61 per cent) with only PSV having a higher share of the ball in the Eredivisie. Both are among the highest in Europe’s top seven leagues (Possession, 92 out of 99).

Slot’s version of the 4-2-3-1 could strengthen Trent Alexander-Arnold’s case to move away from full-back under Slot, as the 25-year-old has grown accustomed to forming a double pivot with the No 6 — either alongside Alexis Mac Allister or Wataru Endo — when he inverts in possession.

The box created by two centre-backs and two deeper midfielders is key to Slot’s initial build-up phase, and having one of the best passers in world football would provide a key weapon in beating the opposition’s initial press.

One player who might need to adapt is Ibrahima Konate, with questions remaining about his quality in possession and ability to pick out a line-breaking pass. Youngster Jarell Quansah has shown more comfort in possession, but with Joel Matip set to depart at the end of his contract in the summer, a ball-playing right-sided centre-back could be high on the priority list.

Slot’s focus on possession-dominance is not to say that his team dawdles on the ball. The energy and purpose that Feyenoord play with is analogous to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool — a style that can be direct without making them long-ball team.

This is reflected in their “Circulate” metric (54 out of 99), which might appear average in the context of wider European football, but highlights Feyenoord’s variety in how they advance through the thirds — sometimes speeding the game up with progressive passes and sometimes slowing it down by working the ball side-to-side.

Variety is a key word in Slot’s vocabulary.

His training sessions are high-octane, but he will often rotate the drills to keep his players interested.

“Slot and his coaches ask so much from his players, it’s unbelievable,” says Martijn Krabbendam, who covers Feyenoord for Voetbal International. “Every training (session) is high intensity. He demands a lot of those players but they don’t mind because his way of training and his exercises are at such a high level. And there’s always something new to give the players some joy in what they’re doing.”

All exercises are ultimately centred on Feyenoord increasing their chances of scoring a goal, and when it comes to the attacking phase there are a selection of approaches that have been particularly lucrative this season.

First, Slot’s direct play is shown below against Heracles, where full-back Geertruida finds Wieffer dropping inside the opposition defensive block. Wieffer turns and plays a simple, lofted ball to striker Santiago Gimenez who races through to finish one-v-one. From back to front in little more than seven seconds.

That progression through the heart of the opposition defence can also be more refined and intricate. Just three passes were needed in getting from centre-back Gernot Trauner to winger Igor Paixao as Feyenoord’s forward-thinking style pierced Utecht’s defence.

Feyenoord’s average “Patient attack” rating (42 out of 99) reflects such versatility going forward. They can play direct but also like to use their full-backs to provide the team’s width, allowing the attackers in front to drift centrally and rotate between themselves.

For Slot, this has two benefits. The first is that the full-back can overlap and provide an attacking threat by getting to the byline to cross the ball — often via cutbacks.

As shown by this goal against Ajax, Feyenoord regain the ball high up, with No 10 Calvin Stengs releasing right-back Bart Nieuwkoop who is racing beyond him. Nieuwkoop fools three Ajax players to pull the ball back to Yankuba Minteh hovering near the penalty spot.

Cutbacks have been a key weapon for Feyenoord this season and for those interested in looking at the tape, goals against NEC, Excelsior, Heerenveen, Almere City, and Lazio will reveal similar patterns of play.

The second benefit of these flying full-backs is to make space for Feyenoord’s forwards to play searching crosses to the back post. As shown below, there are multiple examples of an inverted winger cutting onto his stronger foot to find an onrushing team-mate to meet their cross. Creating overloads on the flank allows these players to have more space to pick their pass.

Such an approach is a throwback to Klopp’s peak era when Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were the team’s creative lynchpins from advanced areas.

If Slot were to implement a similar style at Liverpool, the roles would be ideally suited to the attacking instincts and athleticism of Robertson and Conor Bradley in particular, if Alexander-Arnold were to move into midfield.

Slot demands similar versatility from his wide forwards, often overloading on one side of the pitch to create a one-on-one on the opposite flank. At AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, Slot seemed to prefer a ball-carrying left winger, who favoured cutting inside and combining with teammates — music to the ears of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, who both relish attacking their opposite full-back.

On the other flank, Mohamed Salah’s elite ball-carrying has diminished in recent seasons, but with Slot keen on his wingers inverting, often forming dual No 10s in central spaces, Liverpool’s wide triangles might make a more sustained comeback.

In truth, Liverpool’s recent transfer business would benefit Slot with a versatile squad that has evidenced its ability to switch between different roles and systems. A move from Klopp’s 4-3-3 to Slot’s 4-2-3-1 would likely be a smooth transition given their adaptation to a 3-box-3 structure in the past 12 months.

The No 10 role might be well-suited to multiple Liverpool players in the squad, with Cody Gakpo seemingly more suited to an advanced central role behind a front three. Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister has evidenced his attacking qualities in an advanced role since the turn of the year, while Harvey Elliott is expert at finding pockets of space in advanced central areas.

Slot’s focus on intensity is mirrored in Feyenoord’s approach out of possession.

The 45-year-old will often ask his defence to squeeze the pitch, closing the space to allow his midfield and forward line to set traps.

Take this example against PSV Eindhoven.

As centre-back Olivier Boscagli receives the ball, Gimenez is blocking the passing lane in one direction, while Minteh hurries to block the pass to the left. As Minteh engages, note how midfielders Timber and Wieffer have pushed and locked onto PSV’s midfielders man-to-man, giving Boscagli no passing options (slide 2). Minteh dispossesses the PSV defender and beats the goalkeeper to score into an empty net.

Slot’s side do not always look to strangle the opposition out of possession — often retreating to a compact 4-4-2 off the ball — but high pressing with a purpose has been a key theme of Feyenoord’s season. No Eredivisie side has registered more goal-ending high turnovers — open-play sequences that start 40 metres or less from the opponent’s goal — than Feyenoord’s 11 this season.

It is worth highlighting how much Slot has instilled this style since he arrived at Feyenoord in the summer of 2021. Below, you can see how Feyenoord’s style has evolved over time and there is a notable uptick in their defensive approach (red metrics). Not only are they playing with more intensity and with a higher line, but they also now boast one of the best defensive records on the continent this season (Chance prevention, 95 out of 99).

Only Sporting CP, Juventus, Inter Milan and Arsenal average a lower non-penalty expected goals conceded than Feyenoord’s 0.73 per 90 across Europe’s top seven leagues.

To build such physical robustness, pre-season preparation and conditioning throughout the season are very important for Slot. One of his core beliefs is that players should never stand still on the pitch, they always be on the move.

In technical meetings, he relays this vision to the players and stresses that, by being fitter than their opponents and outworking them, his team can win even if their quality drops. Few people will need reminding just how much this closely aligns with Liverpool’s approach since Klopp arrived.

Slot’s scientific perspective to training will also align with Liverpool’s data-led mantra. The Dutchman was aware that his desire for an intense, hard-running approach in matches and training had to be balanced by caution that his players weren’t being overworked.

Attention to detail is known to be a key part of his management. He worked closely with the data and fitness teams at Feyenoord to see if players’ numbers were dropping in any metric and they looked vulnerable to injury. “Take care of your body,” Slot would say to his players.

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Access all areas at Arne Slot's Feyenoord: Kickboxing, Beckham clips and why he stayed

Beyond the high-possession, high-pressing, clinical attacking football, Slot has shown that he can achieve success without vast spending — a trait that will be attractive to FSG, whose self-sustaining financial model is sacrosanct.

Feyenoord have not spent more than €8million on a player in the club’s history, with a revenue that is comfortably trumped by Dutch rivals PSV and Ajax. Slot has shown his ability to improve the value of his players and promote youth development.

It is another aspect to a manager who has more parallels to Klopp’s approach than people might have initially thought. There are no guarantees of success but Slot seems to tick many of the boxes.

Additional reporting: Charlie Eccleshare and Andy Jones

(Top photo: John Thys/AFP via Getty Images)

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High possession, hard pressing and a fast tempo are all key to the Dutch coach - sound familiar?

Liverpool have tonight reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the services of their manager Arne Slot, who will replace the departing Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool have tonight reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the services of their manager Arne Slot, who will replace the departing Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement over a compensation package for Arne Slot. That's according to big news out of the Netherlands.

Dutch outlet AD has broken the story that Liverpool and Feyenoord have come to a 'verbal agreement' after days of productive talks. It's now expected that the deal will be finalized rapidly.

Indeed, the report claims that Liverpool hopes to complete the move this weekend. Further barriers are not expected.

READ MORE: Liverpool has $62m reason to hire Arne Slot but Michael Edwards must avoid Jürgen Klopp mistake

READ MORE: Liverpool has already been sent Alexander Isak transfer warning amid Darwin Núñez questions

Liverpool had previously seen an opening offer of $9.6m (€9m/£7.7m) for Slot rejected by Feyenoord, per The Athletic. But it seems a breakthrough has been made.

There is just one thing left to do, with only 'the final details and the actual signing' needed before Slot is officially the Liverpool manager, succeeding Jürgen Klopp. His comments earlier in the week heavily implied that personal terms would not be an issue once the two clubs could reach an accord.

Klopp has lent his backing to Slot, albeit reiterating that he played no part in the process of selecting his successor. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has also spoken positively about the Feyenoord boss.

Liverpool.com says: We'll bring you more as it happens, but it looks like Slot to Liverpool is definitely happening now. It's an interesting choice from Michael Edwards and his team.

Not many expected the Feyenoord boss even a week ago, but there has been a lack of clear standouts since Xabi Alonso decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. The data clearly supports Slot, and it will be fascinating to see what he brings to the table.

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Liverpool agree a compensation deal with Feyenoord to allow Arne Slot to become their new manager, succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool and Feyenoord have now agreed a fee for manager Arne Slot, who will make the switch to Anfield this summer as replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

Though Liverpool saw an initial offer of compensation for Slot turned down earlier this week, both clubs remained intent on reaching an agreement.

With the 45-year-old resolved to join as Klopp’s successor, talks continued and a package has now been agreed ahead of the summer.

• READ: Arne Slot: The Dutch football view on new Liverpool manager

This is according to sources in both England and the Netherlands, with the latter explaining that it is a verbal agreement as it stands.

VI‘s Martijn Krabbendam explains that “the deal is currently being fully put down on paper” and “the final agreement will follow tomorrow.”

Liverpool’s first, rejected offer stood at around €9 million (£7.7m), but reliable Feyenoord source 1908.nl reports that the deal is worth closer to €15 million (£12.8m).

It ensures Slot is the most expensive manager in Dutch history, which highlights Liverpool’s determination to land the right candidate in the wake of Klopp’s resignation.

There are not expected to be any hiccups when it comes to personal terms with the coach himself, with it almost certain that these have been at least provisionally agreed beforehand.

Slot still has three games left in charge of Feyenoord, starting on Sunday night at home to former club PEC Zwolle, but his work at Liverpool would begin soon after.

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The Dutchman will serve as the on-field figurehead of a new regime at Anfield, with a number of staff likely to follow him from Rotterdam, too.

Fenway Sports Group have already presided over a restructure of Liverpool’s boardroom, with Michael Edwards now their CEO of football while Richard Hughes is in as sporting director and David Woodfine his assistant.

Slot is due to operate as a head coach, rather than a traditional manager, fitting into the existing structure as opposed to fronting it.

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Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation package for Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp's successor.

«Ливерпуль» и «Фейеноорд» достигли соглашения о компенсации за досрочный уход главного тренера нидерландского клуба Арне Слота из команды.

Liverpool and Feyenoord have agreed a compensation package that will allow Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield.

The 45-year-old Dutchman is now free to join Liverpool in the summer after the conclusion to Feyenoord’s Eredivisie campaign.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Liverpool had an opening offer of €9million (£7.7m, $9.6m) rejected by Feyenoord but the two parties have now reached an agreement.

Slot confirmed on Thursday that he wanted the Liverpool job, telling ESPN before Feyenoord’s Eredivisie win over Go Ahead Eagles that he was “confident” an agreement would be reached between the two sides for a move to go through.

Feyenoord assistant coach and head of performance Ruben Peeters are set to join Slot at Liverpool.

Slot’s imminent appointment was endorsed by Klopp at his press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League match against West Ham United.

“What I like a lot about it is if he is the one then he wants to take the job – he’s desperate, excited, let’s go for it,” said Klopp, who is stepping down at the end of season after nine years at the helm.

“I like the way his team play football and all the things I hear about him as a guy. Some people I know, know him, I don’t know him yet. Good coach, good guy.

“If he’s the solution for the club then I am more than happy. It’s not up to me to judge but it all sounds really good to me.”

GO DEEPER

Arne Slot: the rise of Liverpool's incoming manager - 'He’s as honest as possible'

Liverpool’s interest in Slot only became apparent earlier this week, as they placed emphasis on discretion and showing respect to Feyenoord ahead of last Sunday’s Dutch Cup final, a match they then won against Nijmegen.

Slot guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season and his side are second in the table with three matches remaining this term. Following last season’s title win, Slot attracted the interest of Tottenham Hotspur but the 45-year-old eventually turned them down and they appointed Ange Postecoglou instead.

Slot has won plaudits for his attacking style of football and ability to develop younger players — attributes which closely align with what Liverpool are looking for as they search to replace Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure from the club at the end of this season in January.

Xabi Alonso — before he announced last month he is to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for next season — and Ruben Amorim were among the other candidates Liverpool considered to replace Klopp before they settled on Slot. After their arrivals earlier this year, Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s newly appointed sporting director, have taken charge of the managerial search.

Liverpool are third in the table and face West Ham United in their next match.

Why have Liverpool chosen Slot?

Analysis by The Athletic’s Liverpool correspondent James Pearce

Liverpool have got their man.

Having assessed the merits of a wide range of managerial candidates across Europe, a search led by Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football Michael Edwards, and new sporting director Richard Hughes ended with them knocking at Feyenoord’s door.

After a lengthy process of due diligence, Arne Slot was deemed the best possible fit in terms of the main criteria for the job.

His attacking, high-intensity, attractive playing style was a big part of the appeal for Edwards and Hughes. They believe it will suit the squad of players he inherits.

So too his proven track record of developing young players as well as his man-management and communication skills. The character references gathered from those who have worked alongside him were glowing.

It’s undoubtedly a big step up for Slot. There are some huge boots to fill with Jurgen Klopp moving on.

The pressure and scrutiny at Anfield will be a world away from life in Rotterdam. It represents something of a gamble given that Slot hasn’t coached in one of Europe’s five major leagues previously.

But in truth, anyone who Liverpool went for after Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running would have divided opinion.

Slot’s body of work in Holland is mightily impressive. Now he has to repay the faith show in him.

GO DEEPER

Liverpool's €9m Slot bid and why managers are cheaper than players

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Liverpool and Feyenoord have agreed a compensation package that will allow Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield. The 45-year-old Dutchman is now free to join Liverpool in the summer after the conclusion to Feyenoord’s Eredivisie campaign. The Athletic reported earlier...

Arne Slot looks set to become the next Liverpool manager. Not an early front-runner, he has nonetheless clearly emerged as the preferred candidate for Michael Edwards following Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Everyone’s been caught scrambling to a certain extent to work out exactly why Liverpool’s data wizards have thrown up the name of Slot as the one to replace Jürgen Klopp. But from a preliminary look, it seems Edwards has found a relatively close style match.

Per Melissa Reddy for Sky Sports, that’s why Slot rose above Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese coach’s preference for three at the back would have been a major departure for Liverpool, and one that was not appealing.

READ MORE: Liverpool has already been sent Alexander Isak transfer warning amid Darwin Núñez questions

READ MORE: Liverpool could have four transfer targets to match Arne Slot's obsession

There are clear benefits to keeping a broadly similar philosophy in place. It helps to ensure a good fit with the existing squad, for one, minimizing upheaval by negating the need to go out and make lots of transfers to suit the new manager’s style.

But Reddy also touched upon another potentially important aspect of Edwards’ reasoning. She writes that Amorim “did not fit the current squad nor the philosophy implemented through all age groups at Liverpool.”

That age group point is fascinating. Klopp has earned his reputation for giving young talent a chance, but Liverpool has also made that possible through its clear commitment to forging a pathway, ensuring youngsters can step off the conveyor belt into a side that does not look too dissimilar to the ones in which they have been playing.

The construction of the AXA Training Centre tied into much the same themes. Liverpool’s owners FSG committed $62m (£50m/€58m) to the project, which brought the youth and senior teams physically closer together.

If Slot keeps a broadly similar style in place, the steady stream of young talent should not be stemmed too much. Given the impact the likes of Jayden Danns and Conor Bradley have been able to make this season, that’s not to be taken lightly.

On the other hand, Edwards has to make completely sure that the data hasn’t led him to try and find a sort of Klopp-lite. Anyone seeking to be a direct replacement would fail.

After all, nobody can be as good a man-manager as Klopp. Taking somebody who uses the same tactics but cannot measure up as a motivator would be a surefire way to see Liverpool drop off.

Nor can the Academy be a shrine to Klopp forevermore. Having a clear club DNA is a good thing, and you'd hope that Liverpool has laid down some basic principles that will now stand the test of time, but there's only so long it could be held together in its entirety with the man himself out of the building.

And after nearly nine years, there’s also an argument that Liverpool might have benefited from a relatively significant tactical jolt. That’s not to say three-at-the-back under Amorim was the smart move, but there’s something to be said for shaking things up from time to time.

The question that hangs over Slot, then, is how he can differentiate himself from Klopp. Trying to be a clone would be a major mistake — but if he can innovate within a broadly similar tactical framework, he could just be the perfect man for Liverpool, from top to bottom. Edwards seems to think so.

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Arne Slot might be standing on the Anfield touchline next season and Liverpool fans will be eager to learn about what he offers if appointed.

Arne Slot might be standing on the Anfield touchline next season and Liverpool fans will be eager to learn about what he offers if appointed.

10 крутых встреч. Какая из них самая интересная?

It seems pretty clear now that Arne Slot is Liverpool bound.