Liverpool have reportedly chosen Arne Slot from Feyenoord to be their new manager.
Slot did not appear to be a strong contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp as manager this summer.
However, the Dutchman was revealed on Tuesday as Liverpool’s favorite candidate to succeed Klopp at Anfield. With things supposedly ready to’move rapidly,’ it appears that the Reds have found their man.
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly experience conflicting emotions. Finding a successor for Jurgen emphasizes that the great guy is truly going. And, while he’s clearly a great coach, there are some doubts that the jump up will be too much for Slot.
Just as it was for Klopp, his replacement will need a strong coaching staff to support him. Pep Lijnders has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success, and Slot appears to have his own Lijnders lined up.
Who does Arne Slot want as the assistant manager?
Klopp’s entire first-team staff has been instrumental in everything he has accomplished at Liverpool. It will be strange to watch so many of them leaving the club alongside him.
However, once the new man arrives, it is critical that he brings with him those who can assist him in his success.
With that in mind, Slot is reportedly putting together his team for the Reds.
Last night, journalist Dominic King reported on X that the Dutchman intends to bring his current assistant manager at Feyenoord, Sipke Hulshoff, with him.
“Arne Slot update: he would be prepared to bring his assistant Sipike Hulshoff with him to Liverpool if the move deal gets done,” King said. “It is absolutely clear now Slot is preferred candidate at this stage.”
Who is Sipke Hulshoff?
Many Liverpool fans may not have heard of Slot until the last few days, and they will not be expected to know his assistant either.
However, it turns out that several at Anfield are already well aware of Hulshoff. The 49-year-old works with Feyenoord while simultaneously serving as Ronald Koeman’s assistant coach for the Netherlands national team.
Obviously, he will have made touch with Liverpool’s Dutch trio of Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and, most significantly, captain Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk has previously publicly lauded Hulshoff, telling Voetbal International last year that his tactical strength is unparalleled.
“Of course, I didn’t know Sipke Hulshoff before this,” admits the Liverpool skipper. “You need to get to know each other. You can notice his qualities, which I myself enjoy. Hopefully, he can keep doing that. He is quite clear and tactically strong. I appreciate it when he leads a training session. I believe I also speak on behalf of the organization. We’re only four days in, but this is a terrific start.”
Knowing the captain will undoubtedly be a significant advantage for Hulshoff if he does come in. Fascinating.
