Liverpool’s Arne Slot era has now officially begun.
Slot began his career with the Reds on June 1st, but has yet to be seen publicly as Liverpool’s manager.
Meanwhile, the 45-year-old is believed to have settled into life on Merseyside with his family.
With the Liverpool players not returning to the AXA Training Centre for another month or so, it could be a while before Slot is in the spotlight.
Nonetheless, there is already a lot of buzz around the incoming Liverpool head coach. Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is the latest to speak out over Slot’s move to Anfield.
Louis van Gaal identifies the current best Dutch coach.
Despite being one of the most respected European coaches of his period, Van Gaal did not fare well in England.
The former Ajax, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich manager struggled to win over the fans at Old Trafford, possibly because his best days as a coach were passed.
The same could be said for Erik ten Hag, another Dutch coach at Manchester United. Ten Hag recently defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup, but it appears that he may be fired by United this summer.
Because the two managers are compatriots, clear analogies have been drawn between the Red Devils and the Reds, albeit Ten Hag and Slot appear to be very different.
If United keeps Ten Hag, fans of both clubs would undoubtedly argue over who is the better manager in the following season.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, it appears like Van Gaal has already made his decision.
“Yes, it’s a big job, but Jurgen Klopp has done an excellent job,” the 72-year-old admits. “He [Slot] as the successor makes things more difficult. But he’s a good trainer and coach.
“I believe that Peter Bosz is currently the top trainer coach in the Netherlands. And he was available; he was free at the moment. So, I believe Liverpool made an excellent choice.”
Jamie Carragher makes an Arne Slot prediction.
If Slot replicates Ten Hag’s achievements in his first season at Manchester United, Liverpool fans should be rather pleased.
United finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup a year ago. That is identical to Liverpool’s season this year and would be viewed as a triumph for Slot.
Ironically, anything less than this, or even a failure to make the top four, would most likely be disappointing.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, one of the most recognized pundits around, is always worth listening to on these topics. According to Carragher, the Reds should still be competitive on all fronts next season.
Former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge is likewise bullish, claiming that Liverpool would not falter under Slot.
If Van Gaal is true and Slot is superior to Ten Hag, there is no reason why they should be as well.
