Arne Slot is poised to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager this summer, but discussions have not been smooth, with the Dutchman’s demands proving tough.
Arne Slot has disclosed that an agreement to become Liverpool’s new manager is almost final, but the Dutchman will have to struggle to bring his Feyenoord backroom personnel with him.
Slot will sign a contract to succeed Jurgen Klopp at the conclusion of the season, following a series of encouraging discussions with new Kop kingmaker Michael Edwards. However, the Dutchman has confessed that some specifics still to be worked out, and his plans to bring assistant Sibke Hulshoff, second assistant Etienne Reijnen, and head of performance Ruben Peeters are also being delayed due to issues.
Liverpool, who have already agreed to pay Feyenoord a £11 million compensation package for Slot, have been told they must pay an additional £2 million for his trusted team. Hulshoff’s situation is compounded further by the fact that he is heading to Euro 2024 as Holland manager Ronald Koeman’s assistant this summer, and Liverpool wants him to start his contract on July 1, before the tournament ends.
Slot, 45, convinced Dutch journalists that he is headed to Anfield, saying: “I can’t reveal the details right now, but it isn’t about my contract.” There are other elements that have contributed to the lack of an announcement. But do not worry. It’ll happen. I know I’ve said it several times over the last week, but I believe it’s only a matter of days now. “Some things simply require more time.”
Slot is also looking for a new goalkeeping coach after long-time instructor John Achterberg opted to leave the club with Klopp. Achterberg is ready to accept an invitation to work alongside former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Liverpool host top-four contenders Aston Villa on Monday night before concluding Klopp’s eight-and-a-half-year reign against Wolves at an emotional Anfield on Sunday. The German is hoping for a successful conclusion to his term after watching Liverpool’s quest for a quadruple unravel in the weeks since they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United. Unai Emery’s team will put up a hard challenge.
Klopp stated: “We have the opportunity to reach above 80 points again. Never take something like that for granted. Vila will want to have a successful last home game because they have had an outstanding season. They are expected to qualify for the Champions League.
“Unai is doing an amazing job, but we will absolutely give it a try. He is unquestionably one of the greatest in the business. He has been successful wherever he has been. He is doing an amazing job at Villa. He always organises his team really well, and we all know how essential it is for a club to qualify for the Champions League.
