Slot: Klopp-Guardiola Rivalry Inspired My Decision to Join Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp stepped down after a nine-year tenure at Liverpool.

Slot was announced as Klopp's successor in May following the German's decision to step down.

During his nine years at Anfield, Klopp won one Premier League title but finished second to Guardiola's City by a single point on two occasions. Additionally, City defeated Liverpool in the 2016 EFL Cup final.

Slot, who turned down Premier League interest in 2023 when linked with Tottenham, believes the Klopp-Guardiola rivalry has become the biggest in Europe, surpassing Real Madrid-Barcelona.

"I think for everyone who loves football it was a fantastic era to watch the both of them getting the best out of each other," the Dutchman told Liverpool's website.

"Liverpool came along and - like I just told you about the rivalry between City and Liverpool and the many games we as football fans saw - it wasn't a difficult choice to make."

The 45-year-old spent three years at Feyenoord and had planned to stay for another season before Liverpool approached him.

Slot mentioned that he spoke with Klopp after his appointment but emphasized his intention to implement his own methods at the club.

"He gave me more than a few good tips but I think what stood out for me was that he was so happy for me and that - and I think he said this in the media as well - he would be my biggest fan from now on because he supports Liverpool in the best possible way, and you don't see this very often," he said.

Slot also revealed that he had watched several videos of Klopp's training sessions since joining the club. He will manage the Reds for the first time in a friendly against Real Betis on July 27.

Liverpool will kick off their Premier League season with a trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17.