Yahoo Sports Slot determined to continue winning culture at Liverpool
Arne Slot admits he has ‘big shoes to fill’ after replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool but is confident that he can continue the winning culture at the club.
Slot has been appointed as Klopp’s successor following the latter’s decision to step down after nine decorated seasons at Anfield.
The 45-year-old arrives with a strong reputation from the Netherlands, having won the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup with former club Feyenoord.
Speaking at his first press conference as Liverpool manager, Slot said the desire to win more trophies was a key reason for his move to the Premier League.
“Big shoes to fill but you inherit a squad with a winning culture. One of the reasons to come here is I feel we have a really good team. You want to work at a club with good players and an opportunity to win something.
“The past shows Liverpool can win trophies. There is an opportunity to win something. I like to win and at this club there is an opportunity to win.”
Slot revealed he has held talks with Klopp as he bids to oversee a seamless transition into the new era. He admitted Klopp’s chanting of his name after Liverpool’s final fixture of the 2023-24 season was a special moment for him.
“We’ve spoken about many things, but they stay between us. Him singing for me was special. I was fortunate at Feyenoord that they sung for me. Fans already singing for me is a good start.
“I have worked at a really special club at Feyenoord. When Liverpool comes along, it is one of the clubs I would leave Feyenoord for. Richard (Hughes) wanted Liverpool to bring me in. Since then, I’ve noticed how professional this club is.
“To get to know the reasons why they want you. We were lucky to win a few things. To convince me, they have to like my playing style. He really knew a lot. This is something you want to hear. It has to be more than trophies.
“I was hoping if people looked at my team, it wasn’t 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. It’s a lot of freedom to take different positions. A lot of freedom when we have the ball. When we don’t have the ball, we want to be really aggressive. I wouldn’t say I prefer 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. If you asked me, I’d have said we played 4-3-3. Full-backs have different roles.”
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