After an era at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year long reign came to an end last season. His successor was appointed, Arne Slot, who had been in charge of Feyenoord and was taking charge of a world-class club for the first time.
Although the summer’s reinforcements were unsatisfactory, the club has been in good form since the start of the Premier League season. He has not only followed Klopp’s style of football, but has also added his own flavour to the new style of play. The Dutchman’s reputation is growing by the day, as his game is showing promise.
However, the relationship between coach and player is still very young, and it would be harsh to compare his nine-year tenure with only a few months in charge, including pre-season. Slott opened up about building trust and said that it is up to us, including the coaches, to create a similar situation to Klopp’s regime from here.
“If you take over from a manager, normally you take over from someone who has worked there for two or three years.”
“This was such a long time, so successful, you can’t expect that in four weeks you have the same relationship as Jurgen had in nine years.”
“But then it is all up to [us to] work together, get to know each other and try to get performances in. If that happens, your relationship with every player will grow.”
“I have no doubt their relationship with Jurgen is stronger because they had so long together. But it is up to us to create the same relationship, we started quite well but there is a lot to prove.”
“For me it is not that important what they say in the media about whether they like it or buy in or not, it is important how they play.”
“Both of them have shown – Mo even longer as he had a full pre-season and Virgil from when he came back – some really strong performances.”