Liverpool announced on Monday that Dutchman Slot of Feyenoord has been named manager to take over for leaving coach Juergen Klopp for the upcoming season.
Since taking over as manager of the Dutch team in 2021, Slot has led them to the Eredivisie league title and the KNVB Cup this season. In his first season at the club, Feyenoord advanced to the Europa Conference League final.
In a statement posted on Feyenoord’s website, Slot said, “It’s certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you’ve had so many great moments and worked successfully with so many great people.”
“But an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is hard to ignore as a sportsman.”
After much conjecture, Slot finally revealed on Friday that he would take over as manager of Liverpool after Klopp’s announcement in January that he would quit the team at the end of this campaign.
On Monday, the Anfield team released a statement stating, “Liverpool Football Club can announce Arne Slot has agreed to become the club’s new head coach, formally taking up the position on June 1, 2024, subject to a work permit.”
Following Liverpool’s season-ending victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at home on Sunday, Klopp led the Anfield crowd in a song in honour of the new manager.
Before agreeing to a contract extension at Feyenoord, Slot was linked to the Tottenham Hotspur position at the end of the previous season. Liverpool was drawn to Slot’s aggressive, offensive style and wanted to bring the Dutchman to the Premier League.
Feyenoord finished second in the Eredivisie to PSV Eindhoven, while Liverpool finished third in the Premier League, nine points behind champions Manchester City.
Following their season-ending 4-0 victory over Excelsior at home on Sunday, the Feyenoord supporters lavished 45-year-old Slot with a heartfelt farewell following his three-year tenure.
“I really enjoyed my three years at Feyenoord and felt very much at home from day one, both within the club and with the supporters,” Slot stated.
“When I first arrived in Rotterdam in the summer of 2021, I was certain that I could succeed at this fantastic club.
“The fact that we have reached a European final in three years and have won several prizes makes me more than proud.”
Only a formidable PSV, which has only lost once, has prevented Feyenoord from repeating its title victory this season. Much like the previous season, Feyenoord has lost twice and finished nine points behind the leaders.
Before Spurs attempted to recruit Slot at the end of the previous season, English teams such as Leeds United and Crystal Palace had expressed interest in him due to his achievements and attractive style of football.
He chose to stay at Feyenoord and extend his contract, but Liverpool’s approach was too strong. Now, Slot will have the difficult responsibility of succeeding the adored Klopp, who is leaving the team after nine years.
Feyenoord general manager Dennis te Kloese stated, “Arne has unquestionably left his mark on Feyenoord, showing not only football-loving people in the Netherlands but also beyond the borders what we stand for and are capable of as a club.”
“Liverpool will gain an extraordinary professional.”