Arne Slot has already impressed observers in his native Netherlands by accomplishing one thing at Liverpool.
All eyes are on the Dutchman as he bids to succeed Jurgen Klopp, the greatest manager in Liverpool’s recent history, following a successful 2023/24 season with Feyenoord, where he won the KNVB Cup and placed second in the Eredivisie.
So, what outstanding things has Arne Slot accomplished at Liverpool? Let us have a look.
Arne Slot impressed Bram van Polen.
Dutch pundit Bram van Polen, who spent his whole playing career with PEC Zwolle, has recently commended the Bergentheim native for not cramming his coaching staff with fellow Dutchmen, as Erik ten Hag has done at Manchester United.
The 54-year-old has now hired Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to assist him at Old Trafford, which Van Polen says is “dangerous” since it limits his freedom of thinking.
According to Voetbal Primeur, the 38-year-old believes that Ten Hag’s ability to attract so many Dutch people around him is hazardous. You’re not sure if that is wise.
“You are concerned about the lack of variety. Because he is signing all of those Dutch players, we will be looked less favorably internationally. I believe Slot is purposefully avoiding bringing in all Dutch citizens at once. You do generate a particular image, and you should try to avoid it to some extent.”
Liverpool has built a stronger foundation for the Dutchman than Manchester United did for Erik ten Hag.
Only now has Manchester United begun to consider the structure behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has appointed Omar Berrada from Manchester City as CEO of Football at Old Trafford, together with Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as Sporting Director and Jason Wilcox from Southampton as Technical Director.
Ten Hag did not have top figures in these positions to help him after replacing Ralf Rangnick, but Liverpool has made a concerted effort to ensure Slot is well supported, with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) bringing the esteemed Michael Edwards back as CEO of Football at Anfield, as well as Richard Hughes as Director of Football.
This should make the transition from Klopp to Slot go more smoothly, and Liverpool fans will not have to wait years for their team to deal with a huge departure, as Manchester United and Arsenal fans did when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger left.
