Has Liverpool Truly Found Their Own Ten Hag in Slot?

Finding a successor to Jurgen Klopp capable of energizing Liverpool fans was always going to be a challenge. With Xabi Alonso out of contention, the task seemed even more daunting. The anticipation surrounding Arne Slot's impending arrival from Feyenoord, however, has been met with significant disappointment.

Liverpool supporters aren't just underwhelmed; they're bewildered. John Aldridge didn't even consider Slot a contender, while Robbie Fowler had to resort to Googling him, only to find Feyenoord trailing in the Eredivisie. Jamie Carragher expressed concern over the scarcity of top managers, heightening the sense of loss for Klopp.

In The Telegraph, Carragher lamented, "Under Klopp, Liverpool would have continued to challenge both domestically and in Europe. With Slot, that certainty gives way to mere hope." Some fans even fear Slot could be their own version of Erik ten Hag, compounding their apprehension.

Unjust comparisons

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Comparisons with Ten Hag were bound to arise, but they're also unfair. Much of the skepticism surrounding Slot seems to stem from his Dutch nationality and bald appearance, leading some to believe he'll struggle at Liverpool as much as Ten Hag is at Manchester United.

However, this argument is overly simplistic. Both managers have similar coaching backgrounds, shaped by the rich footballing tradition of the Netherlands, including the 'Total Football' era of the 1970s. Johnny Rep, a former Dutch international, highlighted Slot's affinity for Johan Cruyff's philosophy and his proactive approach to setting up teams.

Guardiola links

The Pep Guardiola connection adds another layer to the comparisons. Ten Hag earned the moniker 'Mini-Pep' for his style at Bayern Munich's B team during Guardiola's tenure. Slot, on the other hand, openly admires Guardiola, describing him as a "control freak" akin to himself. He's even confessed that watching Manchester City brings him "ultimate joy" and that his Feyenoord side loosely follows the Premier League champions' model.

Slot clarified, "It's not my intention to compare us, but they play a similar style to what we aim for at Feyenoord: 4-3-3, building from the back, and pressing high."

'Has his own vision'

While Slot's Cruyffian influences from Guardiola are evident, he's not bound to a single approach. According to former Feyenoord and Liverpool player Dirk Kuyt, Slot continuously studies other teams and seeks ways to enhance his own. Kuyt emphasizes Slot's tactical acumen and unique vision, highly regarded in the Netherlands.

Kuyt elaborates, "What impressed me about Arne was his ability to instill belief in his players. He's admired for his organization of training sessions and his communication skills. His imprint on Feyenoord's style of play is unmistakable; he brings out the best in individuals."

The news of Liverpool's interest in Slot surprised Kuyt, given other names were circulating as potential successors to Klopp. However, Kuyt believes Slot's appointment aligns well with Liverpool's objectives.

Best coach in the Netherlands

Certainly, those familiar with Slot's coaching journey anticipate Anfield embracing his attacking style, which he's effectively instilled not only at Feyenoord but also at AZ Alkmaar, despite working with modest budgets. Before Covid-19 halted the 2020-21 Eredivisie season, Slot's AZ was on par with Ten Hag's Ajax at the league's summit.

Moreover, in 2022, when Ajax reclaimed the Eredivisie title, Slot was honored with the Rinus Michels Award for Coach of the Season. This accolade came after guiding Feyenoord to a surprising third-place finish in his debut season in Rotterdam.

Slot repeated this success by securing the award once more following Feyenoord's remarkable league triumph the following year. Feyenoord's 16th title victory was particularly noteworthy, considering their limited resources and depth compared to traditional rivals Ajax and PSV. Additionally, Feyenoord had to sell several key players before the season commenced.

'Possible he'll win the league in his first year'

As news of Slot's imminent appointment spreads, the reaction in England may be one of surprise, but in the Netherlands, it's met with optimism. Marco van Basten, a legendary figure in Dutch football, has long championed Slot's capabilities, believing he's primed for success at one of Europe's top clubs.

"I truly believe he can excel anywhere. He's exceptional," van Basten asserted to Ziggo Sport. "His adept handling of players combined with his tactical prowess has transformed AZ and Feyenoord's style of play. If he can implement his philosophy at these clubs, he can certainly do it at bigger clubs with more talented players."

Johnny Rep echoes this sentiment, predicting an immediate impact for Slot at Anfield. "Arne is ready to step into Klopp's shoes, and I wouldn't be surprised if he clinches the Premier League title in his debut season," the Dutch football legend stated. "With his track record at Feyenoord, winning both the league and cup, I'm confident he'll replicate that success at Liverpool. He possesses all the qualities to manage a club of Liverpool's stature – he's simply an outstanding coach."

Space for improvement

While Ten Hag's initial reception at United was filled with praise and optimism, his potential departure this summer illustrates the unpredictable nature of managerial tenures. However, Slot shouldn't face undue scrutiny due to loose associations.

Unlike Klopp, Slot won't arrive with a CV boasting Bundesliga titles and Champions League final appearances. Nonetheless, Liverpool's management sees parallels in Slot's approach, which emphasizes intensive pressing and strong communication and man-management skills, enabling him to outperform teams with larger budgets.

Slot inherits a Liverpool team and club in a much better condition than the one Ten Hag inherited at United in 2022. Even the current season's underwhelming performance presents an opportunity for improvement. Klopp himself acknowledges the room for growth, stating, "I'm even helping by not finishing on a high."

Succeeding a beloved manager like Klopp won't be easy, and uncertainty looms at Anfield. Carragher rightly notes the shift from expectation to anxiety. However, as Klopp converted doubters into believers, Slot's promising coaching career suggests he could do the same.

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