Liverpool confirm Arne Slot appointment as new manager
Liverpool have appointed Feyernood's Arne Slot as manager to replace departing coach Juergen Klopp next season, the Premier League club announced on Monday.
Slot has led the Dutch team since 2021, winning the Eredivisie league title in 2022-23 as well as the KNVB Cup this season, while Feyenoord advanced to the Europa Conference League final in his first season at the club.
"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," Slot said in a statement on Feyenoord's website.
"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."
Klopp announced in January that he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season, and after much speculation, Slot confirmed on Friday that he would take over as manager.
"Liverpool Football Club can announce Arne Slot has agreed a deal to become the club's new head coach, formally taking up the position on June 1, 2024, subject to a work permit," the Anfield club said in a statement on Monday.
On Sunday, following Liverpool's season-ending 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Klopp led the Anfield crowd in a song in honour of the incoming manager.
Slot was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season before signing a contract extension at Feyenoord, and his aggressive, attacking style drew Liverpool in to lure the Dutchman to the Premier League.
Liverpool finished third in the Premier League, nine points behind champions Manchester City, and Feyenoord finished second to PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
Feyenoord fans gave Slot a rousing send-off after their final league game of the season on Sunday, a 4-0 home win over Excelsior, as the 45-year-old's three-year stint at the club came to an end.
"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 said.
"When I started in Rotterdam in the summer of 2021, I was convinced that it was possible to achieve success at this wonderful club."
"The fact that we have reached a European final in three years and have won several prizes makes me more than proud."
This season, Feyenoord were denied a repeat of their title win only by an impressive PSV, who lost once, while Feyenoord lost twice, as they did last season, finishing nine points behind the pace.
Slot's success and entertaining style of football drew interest from English clubs such as Crystal Palace and Leeds United before Spurs attempted to sign him at the end of last season.
He decided to stay at Feyenoord and extend his contract, but Liverpool's approach proved irresistible, and Slot now faces the difficult task of replacing the much-loved Klopp, who leaves after nine years at the club.
"Arne has undeniably 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," Feyenoord general manager Dennis te Kloese said.
"Liverpool will gain an extraordinary professional."
SportsLigue