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

His last game as Feyenoord head coach will be on May 19 at home to Excelsior.

Excelsior is Latin for higher.

And Slot is heading for higher things.

A job high up the world football scale, he hopes to bring more highs to Anfield.

High energy, high line, high entertainment.

Slot's high on the charm scale too, and that is important to Liverpool.

Not as important as winning and playing style of course, but a big factor in choosing Slot.

Like Jurgen Klopp he's got a glint in his eye, and he's got swagger, and like Jurgen, Arne has a perfect set of white teeth - and a big friendly smile that makes the most of them.

He loves a camera, and finds dealing with intense media scrutiny very easy.

His news conference on Thursday night at Go Ahead Eagles underlined that, as did our brief interaction on the steps of the Feyenoord team hotel a few hours earlier.

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Feyenoord boss Arne Slot had an exchange with Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill as he was asked about taking the Liverpool job

After the match, Slot was frank. Very frank.

In front of a room full of Dutch media - foreign media were banned from attending by the host club - he wasn't asked at all about the 3-1 away win that had just guaranteed Feyenoord Champions League football again next season.

All the questions were about Liverpool, and he answered every one.

No platitudes, no "No comment", no dodging the issue.

Just, almost, full disclosure.

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Feyenoord boss Arne Slot says he is confident the club will reach an agreement to allow him to join Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp's successor

Yes: He wants Liverpool.

Yes: Liverpool want him.

Yes: Negotiations are complicated… but

Yes: He was sure a deal could be done.

A perfect performance, and 11 months ago he handled the Tottenham links with similar panache.

As mentioned, that ability to get the media onside was very much on show at the team hotel earlier in the day, too.

He jumped off the team bus, with a big smile on his face, fully aware myself and Sky cameraman 'Spiney' were waiting to pounce.

Not for him bolting straight to the hotel entrance door.

Instead he got his (perfectly ironed) match night shirt and suitcase from the luggage compartment, and played along with us.

He agreed, when questioned, that he was 'in the news' and 'wanted to go to the Premier League'.

And, but for an over-zealous hotel duty manager getting in the way, he would have said more.

That 'doorstep' as we call it, went around the world.

His demeanour and good grace was commented on by many.

But there's another part to that encounter. And here it is.

When the team bus left the training ground for the 90-mile drive to the hotel, we were about to make the same journey.

We knew which hotel they were heading too.

But the driver thought we were following the coach - and the head coach - and, jokingly went three times around a traffic island to pretend to try and shake us off!

Football banter at its best.

Image: The Feyenoord team bus tried to give Sky Sports News' Gary Cotterill the slip!

Slot and the players loved it… I even suspect Slot suggested the driver did it!

On the subject of football travel, two of Slot's Feyenoord squad have unexpected ways of getting to training everyday.

Unexpected for top pro players that is.

Yankuba Minteh, on loan from Newcastle, cycles in, posing with fans wanting photos on the way.

Fellow young forward Leo Sauer walks!

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appeared to endorse his potential successor Arne Slot, describing him as a 'good coach and a good guy'

Of course, Feyenoord to Liverpool is a very big step.

But those who know Slot on and off the pitch say he's up to the challenge.

He'll be dealing with bigger, better players at Anfield of course, but even the rich and famous respond to kindness and humour.

From what I have seen, Slot has that in bucket loads.

No doubt, it's easier being nice when you're winning, and doing that is the very least expected of Slot from the word go at Liverpool.

The stakes are high.

Expectations are higher.

Excelsior.

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Melissa Reddy shares the latest on Feyenoord's Arne Slot proposed switch to Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp Essential Questions Podcast: Is Slot the man for Liverpool?

Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports News' senior reporter, Melissa Reddy and Sky Sports football journalist Adam Bate to discuss Slot's potential move to Liverpool as Klopp's successor.

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Потерпев в среду вечером одно из худших поражений за все время правления Клоппа, "красные" возвращаются в турне по восточному Лондону.

Под руководством нынешнего наставника осталось всего четыре матча, и Клопп отчаянно пытается восстановить форму, особенно учитывая, что попадание в четверку лучших еще даже не гарантировано.

Проблемы с формой и осторожность в отношении физической подготовки, вероятно, в некоторой степени повлияют на выбор стартового состава "Ливерпуля".

Новости команды

Предматчевая пресс-конференция Клоппа прошла в основном без особых новостей, но он рассказал нам следующее:

*Коди Гакпо вернулся в строй после рождения сына

*Ни Диого Жота (бедро), ни Конор Брэдли (лодыжка) не вернулись в строй

*Однако других травм пока нет – Тьяго, Жоэль Матип и Бен Доак по-прежнему выбыли из строя.

"Ливерпуль", грубо говоря, потерпел трагическое поражение от "Эвертона" в середине недели, и необходимы перемены.

Ибраима Конате, Доминик Собослаи, Кертис Джонс, Мохамед Салах и Дарвин Нуньес были в числе тех, кому пришлось особенно туго, хотя маловероятно, что все они выбыли из игры.

Тем не менее, есть возможность – и необходимость – провести ротацию в связи с ранним началом матча:

*Джо Гомес заменит уставшего Трента Александера-Арнольда на позиции правого защитника

*Джарелл Куанса, Ватару Эндо и Райан Гравенберх выйдут на поле

*Салах на скамейку, а вернувшийся Гакупо займет место слева в атаке, Луис Диас - справа.

Эти изменения привели бы к появлению этого ливерпульского состава:

Учитывая падение результативности после победы над "Фулхэмом" со счетом 3:1 и конфуза на "Гудисоне", Клопп мог бы выставить команду, подобную той, которая выиграла на "Крейвен Коттедж":

*Александер-Арнольд остался, но Куанса заменит Конате

*Эндо, Гравенберх и Харви Эллиотт в центре поля

*Салах остался на правом фланге, Диас - на левом, а Гакпо заменит Нуньеса на позиции центрального нападающего

Таким образом, "красные" выстроились бы следующим образом:

Реальность такова, что поражение от "Эвертона", особенно на данном этапе сезона и в преддверии ухода Клоппа, было совершенно неприемлемым.

В субботу возможны изменения, и такие игроки, как Куанса, Гравенберх и Гакпо, могут получить еще один шанс произвести впечатление на следующего тренера.

Автор Jack Lusby

Боже мой.

Как человек, чьей маме буквально пришлось уговаривать его спуститься с уступа (ну, с верхней ступеньки лестницы) после гола Майкла Томаса в 1989 году, и который с тех пор поразительно много раз бил кулаком по кофейному столику, я, конечно, не собираюсь никого убивать за эмоциональную реакцию на подобные вещи. Но, рискуя показаться кому-то снисходительным, я думаю, что некоторым из нас, возможно, просто нужно уделить минутку и задаться вопросом, действительно ли есть основания так волноваться.

Я не видел ни одного комментария, который бы оспаривал предполагаемое назначение Арне из-за его стиля или способностей. На сегодняшний день 99% критики основаны на опыте: является ли голландский чемпионат лучше португальского? Завершение шестилетнего ожидания титула - это действительно достижение? ПСВ действительно так хорош? Насколько дерьмово играет "Аякс"?

Может быть, понятно, что люди интересуются его послужным списком, потому что на первый взгляд это кажется чем-то особенным - и, видит бог, мы все отчаянно хотим найти что-то, во что можно было бы вцепиться зубами, чтобы снова почувствовать, что мы знаем, где находимся, после ошеломляющего ухода Юргена. 

Но такое мышление абсолютно пронизано когнитивной предвзятостью и субъективизмом, маскирующимся под объективность. На то, как менеджер выступал в одном клубе, влияет слишком много других факторов (собственность, ресурсы, болельщики, медицинский персонал, оборудование, ожидания, скаутинг, унаследованные игроки, оппозиция, опыт до этого момента и т.д.), чтобы можно было с уверенностью сказать, добьются ли они успеха в другом клубе, это очень специфическая роль, которую задумал наш клуб (о которой, стоит сказать, мы тоже знаем очень мало - скорее всего, она будет отличаться от той, которую покидает Юрген, и я уверен, что большинство из нас не имели бы ни малейшего представления о том, как Юрген провел большую часть своей карьеры).

Если бы он был явно дерьмовым, тогда, возможно. Но он, очевидно, преуспевал везде, где бы ни был. Кроме этого, никто из нас не может ничего сказать, основываясь только на резюме. И те из вас, кто говорит еще конкретнее, что вы хотите получить опыт выигрыша x, y или z. Почему? Очевидно, что если бы единственными людьми, которые выигрывали что-то, были те, кто уже выиграл это, то никто другой не выиграл бы это. Не хочу быть втянутым в полемику, потому что, как я уже сказал, это сильно искаженный показатель, но (о, тогда продолжайте...) Клопп не выигрывал в Европе, когда пришел сюда, и не выигрывал в Германии, когда возглавил "Дортмунд" (то же самое было с Гвардиолой, когда он возглавил "Барсу"). Все трое были невероятно успешными игроками в сложных лигах. С другой стороны, Моуринью много выигрывал, прежде чем стал ужасен в "Манчестер Юнайтед" и "Шпорах".

"А-а-а... - скажут некоторые, - но это все разные вещи". да! Они разные! В этом-то и суть: каждый случай индивидуален, и пытаться просто "применить проверенного победителя" - идиотский способ добиться успеха. Стремление быть умным - это не просто попытка сэкономить деньги, это попытка определить, что нужно сделать в следующий раз, чтобы опередить всех остальных, и, очевидно, клуб нашел в Арне что-то, что, по их мнению, сработает. На мой неосведомленный взгляд, в статье, опубликованной сегодня рано утром достаточно того, что наводит меня на мысль, что это вполне могло бы стать отличной встречей.

Очевидно, что это может и не сработать, но если вы выходите из себя только на основании резюме, это свидетельствует о ошеломляющей самоуверенности в вашей собственной способности понять, как все это работает. Ближе всего к тому, чтобы оценить его по достоинству, кто-то подошел к тому, чтобы сказать, что он звучит чересчур увлеченно, и создать полностью вымышленный образ какого-то слабака с потными ладошками, которого наши игроки отвергнут за то, что он сказал, что мы ему нравимся, вместо того, чтобы изображать из себя крутого (основываясь примерно на десяти секундах интервью).

Я совершенно не представляю, что происходит в голове у профессионального футболиста - я думаю, все они разные, - но и большинство людей, которые так говорят, тоже этого не понимают. И я бы, по крайней мере, предположил, что они привыкли судить о тренерах, ну, знаете, по их руководству. Для всего мира это звучит так, будто у него будет отличный день с Трентом; мысль о том, что он вдруг захочет сбежать с корабля только потому, что у парня, который сейчас возглавит команду, недостаточно громкое имя, смехотворна - он менеджер футбольного клуба "Ливерпуль". У скольких менеджеров этот показатель выше в любой день недели?

И, честно говоря, если кто-то из нынешних игроков действительно хочет, чтобы на его имя было больше обложек GQ, то он может успокоиться и освободить место для тех, кто действительно хочет играть за этот клуб, эту группу болельщиков и парня, который, по общему мнению, вызывает искреннее уважение и привязанность у своих игроков.

Я ни на секунду не говорю, что мы не должны обсуждать достоинства, но, пожалуйста, если мы собираемся это сделать, то можем ли мы обсудить достоинства, а не просто разглагольствовать о вещах, которые не имеют значения?

Автор jetshymotion

Friday brought the buildup to another away clash for Liverpool in the Premier League, but also a major development in their pursuit of the next manager.

The latest on Slot

Liverpool are close to agreeing terms with Feyenoord over the release of manager Arne Slot, who will take over at the end of the season.

That is according to Sky Sports‘ Melissa Reddy, with the compensation expected to be £9.85 million, which is an increase on their initial offer of £7.7 million.

? BREAKING: Liverpool and Feyenoord are heading towards finalising an agreement for Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor ? pic.twitter.com/YFdTE24Vkt

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 26, 2024

Slot could be announced as new Liverpool manager as early as this weekend, the Mail claim, with the likelihood being that Feyenoord confirm their agreement first.

The 45-year-old is also due to bring assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff and head of performance Ruben Peeters with him to Merseyside, which would require more talks.

Feyenoord beat Go Ahead Eagles 3-1 in the Eredivisie on Thursday night to seal their place in next season’s Champions League, with ex-Liverpool winger Bobby Adekanye assisting for the opposition.

3 things today: Gakpo’s return, Klopp on Slot and new contract

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• Kieran Morrison, a 17-year-old winger who has already trained with Liverpool’s first team, has now signed his first professional contract

Latest Liverpool FC news

• David Moyes has revealed that Jarrod Bowen has a “good chance” of featuring vs. Liverpool – of course he does (WHUFC)

• Liverpool coach Jay Spearing has welcomed the appointment of Slot, saying “he can handle a big club” (Stadium Astro)

Around the Premier League

• Premier League chief Richard Masters claims Man City‘s 115 charges will be resolved in the “near future” – but will it actually matter? (PA)

• Erik ten Hag banned three journalists from asking questions in his press conference on Friday – he’s still upset about the reaction to almost bottling it vs. Coventry (BBC Sport)

• Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has a £100 million release clause, Eddie Howe has confirmed – but it’s only active in June (Times)

Article of the day and match of the night

As you settle in for your Friday night, why not catch up with our conversation with Dutch football expert Arthur Renard on what Slot could bring and how he will fit in at Liverpool.

Or watch it here!

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Match of the night is in LaLiga, where Real Sociedad host Real Madrid in an 8pm kickoff on ITV4 in the UK.

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Former Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe is released by National League side Ebbsfleet United.

Liverpool academy player-coach Jay Spearing has spoken out on the possibility of Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as Reds manager

Liverpool academy player-coach Jay Spearing has spoken out on the possibility of Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as Reds manager

Liverpool head to West Ham feeling flat after a poor run of form, with a response badly needed as Jurgen Klopp‘s exit approaches.

West Ham vs. Liverpool

Premier League (35) | London Stadium
April 25, 2024 | 12.30pm (BST)

The Reds’ 2-0 defeat away to Everton was one of the lowest moments of the season so far, with a complete lack of quality and fight.

The result effectively ended Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League, but it is important not to end the campaign in a complete mess.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game.

1. Massive response required

Wednesday’s Merseyside derby was as frustrating as it was dispiriting.

Liverpool have tailed off alarmingly in recent weeks, with Klopp looking as jaded and out of ideas as so many of his players.

A victory is essential as West Ham, not least so that Liverpool don’t risk getting pulled into an unlikely top-four battle, and they should be stinging after midweek, producing a response in the process.

More dropped points would feel even more alarming.

2. Time for Moyes to go?

West Ham aren’t exactly in high spirits going into the game either, with an increasing feeling that David Moyes is on his way out.

After winning the Europa Conference League last season, this campaign has been more inconsistent, and a new manager is being discussed – including, for what it’s worth, Ruben Amorim.

Last Sunday’s 5-2 defeat away to Crystal Palace was a low point, and a mid-table finish is now looking on the cards.

The decision looks set to rest with Moyes, but another defeat to Liverpool this weekend will further crank up the pressure on him to move on.

3. Who’s out for Liverpool?

Liverpool are still without Diogo Jota, who won’t be back until next month after suffering a muscle injury away to Fulham last weekend.

Similarly, Conor Bradley is still absent with an ankle problem.

Cody Gakpo is available, however, following the birth of his son.

Joel Matip, Thiago and Ben Doak are all still out, too, with the first two likely having played their last game for Liverpool.

4. Possible Liverpool XI

Liverpool’s performance at Everton was so bad that few could complain if they were left out at the London Stadium.

Ibrahima Konate was one of the worst players on the night and it would be no surprise to see Jarell Quansah come in for him.

Joe Gomez could replace the tired Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while in midfield, Wataru Endo may play after being on the bench in midweek.

Liverpool’s attackers are horribly out of sorts, in particular Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, and Gakpo merits a start.

The Dutchman missed the Everton game because his wife was in labour.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Gravenberch; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo

5. How will West Ham line up?

Jarrod Bowen is expected to return for West Ham after missing the defeat to Palace, acting as a big boost for Moyes.

Alphonse Areola is expected to replace Lukasz Fabianksi in goal, if fit, and there are no new injury problems for the Hammers.

Barring Areola and Bowen coming back in, the starting lineup could be similar to the one at Selhurst Park, having had all week off.

Lucas Paqueta is one to watch, with the Brazilian a superb all-round midfielder who has been strongly linked with Man City in the summer transfer window.

Possible West Ham XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Antonio

6. Klopp’s presser

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Addressing the media on Friday, Klopp approved of Arne Slot as his likely replacement as Liverpool manager this summer:

“What I would like about it, if he is the one, is that he wants to take the job – come on, let’s go, excited.

“I like the way his team plays football. All the things I hear about him as a guy, good guy. Some people I know know him, I don’t, but some people tell me he’s a really good guy.

“So good coach, good guy, looking forward for the club if he’s the solution. It’s not up to me to judge, but it all sounds really good to me.”

Here’s hoping that Slot is anything close to as incredible as Klopp has been.

7. Liverpool hit-and-miss at the London Stadium

It’s fair to say that Liverpool have been unpredictable when making the trip to the London Stadium over the years.

Their first game there was a vital 4-0 win in the top-four battle back in May 2017, with Philippe Coutinho scoring twice, and Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi also netting.

There was also a 4-1 triumph at the London Stadium later that year, but also a damaging 1-1 draw in 2018/19 that proved costly in the title race.

Liverpool’s only defeat at West Ham‘s current home was in November 2021, with a 3-2 loss coming their way.

8. Did you know?

Salah is desperately in need of some good form, with the Liverpool legend completely out of sorts since returning from injury.

He excels against West Ham, however, and is the most prolific scorer in the history of the fixture with 11 goals.

Should he score on Saturday, he will be the second Reds player in history to score in three different fixtures against the Hammers in the same season, after John Toshack in 1975/76.

Only against Man United (14) has Salah scored more goals for Liverpool, also finding the net 11 times against Man City.

9. Anthony Taylor in charge

Anthony Taylor is the referee this weekend – it feels like he has constantly been in charge of Liverpool games this season!

There is definite truth to that, with Saturday the sixth time he will have overseen a Reds league match in 2023/24.

The most high-profile of those were the 3-1 loss at Arsenal and recent 2-2 draw at home to Man United, and Liverpool have only won one of the five fixtures overall.

That was the 4-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Josh Smith
VAR: Tim Robinson
Assistant VAR: Wade Smith

10. Follow the match with TIA

West Ham vs. Liverpool is live on TNT Sports 1 from 11am (BST), with kickoff at 12.30pm.

Harry McMullen is in charge of TIA’s matchday live blog from 11.45am, looking to bring you more joy than has been in recent weeks.

Come on you Reds!

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В ближайшие 48 часов «Ливерпуль» может объявить, что новым главным тренером клуба станет Арне Слот, возглавляющий «Фейеноорд».

Liverpool and Feyenoord are heading towards finalising an agreement for Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp's successor.

Talks have progressed positively and while sources in the Netherlands have mentioned a figure of £9.85 million, Sky Sports News has been told no amount has been settled on yet and negotiations are ongoing.

Slot, who led the Dutch club to only their second Eredivisie title this century last season, featured on Liverpool's list of candidates from the start of a long, rigorous process and topped it when they finished due diligence on all the key criteria.

Xabi Alonso, the outstanding candidate for every top club seeking a new manager this summer, ruled himself out of contention by remaining at Bayer Leverkusen.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appeared to endorse his potential successor Slot, describing him as a 'good coach and a good guy'

Sporting coach Ruben Amorim had made Liverpool's shortlist, and despite the external noise over him, the club always maintained he was not the leading or preferred option.

He ticked several requirements, but his playing approach - particularly using three at the back - and long-term vision did not fit the current squad nor the philosophy implemented through all age groups at Liverpool.

Suggestions that financial reasons were behind Amorim not being the frontrunner for the Anfield job has been termed fiction.

There has also been scepticism around the reasons for the 39-year-old's very public meeting with West Ham, with one intermediary suggesting Amorim was trying to pressure Liverpool by showing them he had other options.

The club had already judged Slot as the better football fit before that point, as well as a superior communicator and connector.

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Watch Slot give an inspirational team talk following a huge win against Ajax last season - his side then went on to win the Eredivisie

The character references sourced for every candidate also established him as a top pick.

On Thursday, Slot indicated he was confident a deal would be agreed. "Everybody understands Feyenoord will want to receive as much money as they can get, but I get the feeling that they will not begrudge me this move," he said.

"I expect that things will become clearer over the next few days."

Why are Liverpool keen on Slot?

Who is Slot and why do Liverpool want him?

• Age: 45
• Trophies won: Eredivisie 2022/23, KNVB Cup 2023/24
• Playing style: Aggressive, full-throttle
• Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3

Slot, who secured the Dutch Cup last weekend and led Feyenoord to their first title in six years last season, appeals to Liverpool due to his aggressive, full-throttle style.

He has drilled his team to be adept at turning defensive actions into shooting opportunities and they top the Eredivisie for tackles won in the opposition's final third.

Feyenoord have the best defence in the league and the second-best offensive metrics.

Image: Slot is expected to be the man to replace Klopp

Slot has proved capable of improving individuals as well as the collective, while operating on a smaller budget than his core competitors, and his penchant for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation fits Liverpool's squad.

Slot has previously been approached by Tottenham, Chelsea and Leeds. He signed a new contract last May to keep him at Feyenoord until 2026 but has referenced a desire to make the next step in his career.

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Slot says he is confident the club will reach an agreement to allow him to join Liverpool

Slot has a strong track record of player development and outperforming his budget and resources in comparison to rivals at both AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord. This is important when we scan the football landscape and how it's going to change.

We've seen the teeth of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules, and with some clubs pushing for "anchoring" and a hard salary cap to be introduced, the importance of work on the training pitches, being able to bring through young talent, and operate well within means is going to be more pronounced.

Under Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool have been run in a healthy, sustainable way and it is sensible to recruit a manager who can continue to maximise resources.

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Feyenoord boss Arne Slot had an awkward exchange with Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill as he was asked about taking the Liverpool job

Similarities between Slot's Feyenoord and Klopp's Liverpool

• Feyenoord have won possession in the final third more than any team in Europe’s top five leagues, with Liverpool in second
• The average distance from their own goal when winning possession in open play: Feyenoord 45.2 metres, Liverpool 44.6m
• High turnovers: Liverpool 353, Feyenoord 344
• Average possession in the league: Feyenoord 62%, Liverpool 61.4%

Most of the candidates under consideration by Liverpool ticked that box, but Slot's playing approach and philosophy, which marries so well with what Klopp has implemented at the club, set him apart.

It means there is no massive tactical upheaval or adaptation. Liverpool have one vision and playing style running through all age groups, which dictates the stylistic profile they recruit for, so it is sensible to continue with that.

The leap from the Eredivisie to a team that wants to win the Premier League and be a dominant force in Europe in a huge one, but every potential successor to Klopp carries risk.

Carra: Liverpool's move for Slot shows lack of top managers

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Jamie Carragher feels that Slot may find the step up from Feyenoord to Liverpool difficult as he would have to meet the club's current demands to compete for the biggest trophies every season

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool's move for Slot demonstrates the lack of "top managers" currently available.

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Carragher said: "From Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump and I think it shows at this moment that there's probably a dearth of real top managers out there, when you look at who Liverpool are going for.

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The Guardian's Jonathan Liew and The Times' Charlotte Duncker discuss the possibility of Slot becoming Klopp's successor

"Initially it was Xabi Alonso - it's only his first full season as a manager - then there was talk of Ruben Amorim from Sporting, who's only 39. Now Arne Slot is the favourite."

Carragher added the scenario potentially facing Slot at Anfield differs from the one Klopp inherited in 2014 after his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund, or the one Rafa Benitez walked into in 2004 after leaving Valencia.

"I don't think it's like Benitez coming in, or Klopp," he said. "Benitez coming in on the back of two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Cup, or Klopp winning a couple of league titles and getting to a Champions League final. Liverpool were actually in a different space then.

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Gary Neville gives his take on Liverpool's move for Slot

"That Liverpool team, certainly under Benitez that I was part of, we were the team trying to qualify for the top four. The same with Klopp when he came in.

"But Liverpool are in a different era now. They actually fancy themselves to challenge for the Premier League every season. Next season, in the Champions League they'd expect to get to the quarter-finals at least.

"I think it's a huge jump but he's obviously a great coach with a great track record so far. We'll see."

Essential Questions Podcast: Is Slot the man for Liverpool?

Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports News' senior reporter, Melissa Reddy and Sky Sports football journalist Adam Bate to discuss Slot's potential move to Liverpool as Klopp's successor.

Subscribe now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Spotify This content is provided by Spotify, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spotify cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Spotify cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Spotify cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once Spreaker This content is provided by Spreaker, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Spreaker cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Spreaker cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Spreaker cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once The making of Slot: Why he is right for Liverpool Image: Slot is expected to be the man to replace Klopp

Slot has emerged as the preferred candidate to replace the departing Klopp as the next Liverpool manager but who is the man that the club believe can lead them into this new era and what can they expect from this 45-year-old Dutch coach?

In conversation with those who coached Slot and those who have been coached by him, as well as colleagues on his staff, we examine the making of Liverpool's next manager, exploring his tactical ideas, his man-management and his handling of the media.

Read Adam Bate's in-depth feature on Slot here.

'Slot brings crazy, sexy football'

Slot took over from Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord for the start of the 2021/22 season with the club having finished fifth the previous campaign.

Just two years later, they were champions of the Eredivisie. He built a pressing team playing intense, attack-minded football while also being able to win.

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Sky Sports News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol explains the details around Arne Slot's potential move to Liverpool

Feyenoord are second behind PSV Eindhoven this season, nine points adrift with four games to play. In Europe, they finished third in their Champions League group before dropping into the Europa League, where they were knocked out by Roma on penalties in February.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan said: "He is the prime candidate for Liverpool.

"It was only a matter of time before another big English club would come knocking on the door. He's not only been a successful manager, he's also been hugely impressive with his playing style of very attack-minded, Pep Guardiola-style football.

"I don't expect Feyenoord to stand in the way. They know he's a manager in demand but they will demand a big compensation fee. He has two years left on his contract.

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Sky Sports' Peter Smith and David Reed discuss the news that Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord about hiring Arne Slot as manager

"That was a record deal. Never before in Dutch football has a team paid a manager such huge wages.

"The players like him, the fans love him, the club love him - they won't want him to go. Feyenoord have every right to demand a big fee as there is no clause in his contract, which he renewed last year.

"He's been a successful coach and made Feyenoord champions playing crazy, sexy football. It is sexy what this man brings on a football pitch.

"There's nothing more to win for him here. The next step for him is to enter a club in a big league and no league is bigger for the Dutch than the Premier League.

"I will be surprised if Slot doesn't bite at this chance and become the manager of Liverpool next season."

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Liverpool and Feyenoord are heading towards finalising an agreement for Arne Slot to become Jurgen Klopp's successor.

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has emerged as the lead candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss next season

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has emerged as the lead candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss next season

The Premier League case against Manchester City over alleged breaches of its financial rules “will resolve itself in the near future,” its chief executive Richard Masters has said.

City remain in pole position to retain their title following a 4-0 win over Brighton on Thursday night, which would be their second since 115 charges were laid against them by the Premier League in February last year.

Asked whether a second City success while the charges remained outstanding would damage European league football, Masters said: “It’s not for the football authorities to start being selective about who they would like to win the league.

“The key point is that you’ve got that jeopardy until the final day. Who knows where we will be on May 19?”

Masters, speaking at the European Leagues general assembly, added: “Obviously we can’t comment on the case, the date has been set and the case will resolve itself at some point in the near future, and I cannot make any further comment on it.”

An independent commission is set to hear the case later this year, but certainly not before the current campaign ends. Given the extent of the charges, a decision in the case may not come until next year.

City said at the time the charges were laid that they welcomed a review of this matter by an independent commission “to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of our position.”

The club added: “As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

City trail Arsenal by a point heading into the weekend but have a game in hand on the Gunners.

If they can win the title, it would be their fourth in a row and sixth in the last seven seasons.

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As the Premier League season enters its final three weeks, the race for the European places remains an intriguing one.

Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League places are still up for grabs and the race to get them looks set to go the distance.

Seven English teams will play in Europe next season, despite an almost-certain lack of a fifth Champions League place, and only three spots could be classed as sewn up.

So, as the campaign boils down to its last days, here is how the battle is shaping up.

Firstly, how does European qualification work in the Premier League?Champions League

The top four teams in the Premier League gain qualification for the Champions League.

With the incoming changes to the format, there is the opportunity for an extra place but poor performances from English sides in European competitions this season mean Italy and Germany are set to earn those.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City will almost certainly confirm qualification in their remaining games while Aston Villa, in fourth, are best placed to join them.

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Europa League

There are two Europa League places given to English teams: one for the team that finishes fifth in the Premier League and the other for the FA Cup winners.

When the FA Cup winner finishes in the top five anyway, that place is deferred to the next-best finisher in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are the team in fifth and, despite aspirations of catching Villa in fourth, are likely to have to settle for a Europa League place.

Manchester United are well placed to take the other one; they face neighbours Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive year and are the team currently occupying sixth in the Premier League table.

Europa Conference League

The one place for an English team in the Europa Conference League is given to the Carabao Cup winners.

That place is deferred to the Premier League table if the Carabao Cup winners earn a Champions League or Europa League place through their league position.

This season’s Carabao Cup winners were Liverpool, who cannot drop out of the top five in what remains of the season, so the Europa Conference League place will likely be given to the seventh-place finisher in the Premier League. That is currently Newcastle United, but there are a few teams still in contention.

Which teams are fighting for a European place?if(["rgb(17, 17, 17)", "rgb(0, 0, 0)", "rgb(18, 18, 18)", "rgb(26, 26, 26)"].indexOf(getComputedStyle(document.body).backgroundColor) != -1) {var x = document.querySelectorAll("#ath_table_845192 .ia-hlt");for (var i = 0; i < x.length; i++) {x[i].classList.add("dark-mode");}}var all_table_images = document.querySelectorAll("#ath_table_845192 img"); for (var i = 0; i < all_table_images.length; i++) {all_table_images[i].removeAttribute("onclick")};var link = document.createElement("link");link.rel = "stylesheet";link.type = "text/css";link.href = "https://use.typekit.net/cuz4pky.css";document.getElementsByTagName("HEAD")[0].appendChild(link);var link = document.createElement("link");link.rel = "stylesheet";link.type = "text/css";link.href = "https://use.typekit.net/dtk6elt.css";document.getElementsByTagName("HEAD")[0].appendChild(link);var link = document.createElement("link");link.rel = "stylesheet";link.type = "text/css";link.href = "https://theathletic.com/app/themes/athletic/assets/css/tables.css";document.getElementsByTagName("HEAD")[0].appendChild(link);

(Blue: Champions League qualification; Yellow: Europa League qualification; Green: Europa Conference League qualification)

It is fair to assume the top three will not drop out of the Champions League places in what remains of the season.

Below them, there is a six-team battle for the other four places with two more teams — Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion — on the periphery.

Brighton’s fleeting hopes of another European tour were dealt a blow in their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday and they will need a near-flawless run to the finish if they want any chance of a top-seven place.

In truth, the current top seven teams may not move much in the final three weeks of the season — an expectation shared by Opta.

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Tottenham can still catch Aston Villa in the final Champions League place but their inconsistent form and difficult run-in makes it unlikely that they will better Villa’s points total in what remains of the season.

It is equally unlikely, though, that they finish any lower than fifth. They need three wins from their six matches to guarantee fifth, but fewer points will probably be enough given the likelihood of the teams below them dropping points.

The battle for sixth is the one that looks likeliest to provide us with drama. If Manchester City win the FA Cup, sixth place will come with a Europa League place. If Erik ten Hag’s side win the FA Cup and don’t finish sixth, it will be a Europa Conference League place.

Manchester United can guarantee a Europa League place with an FA Cup triumph (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s main competition looks to be Newcastle but, despite a poor season, Chelsea are also in the picture. United’s task is simple: keep the teams below them at bay.

To finish sixth, Newcastle need to pick up three more points than Manchester United during the run-in. Chelsea, meanwhile, need six more points than Manchester United and four more than Newcastle (due to Newcastle’s superior goal difference).

The two teams that miss out on sixth will then be in the running for seventh, which is likely to come with a Europa Conference League place.

West Ham (eighth), Bournemouth (10th) and Brighton (11th) all have an outside chance of a seventh-placed finish, although it looks like they have too much ground to make up on the teams above them due to points difference and games in hand.

(Top photos: Getty Images)

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Seven English teams will play in Europe next season, with only three spots that could be classed as secured. Here’s how the race is looking

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