Anfield Watch
·26 April 2024
Anfield Watch
·26 April 2024
Former Liverpool and Feyenoord star Dirk Kuyt thinks that the Reds will make 'a very good choice' if they finalise a deal for Arne Slot in the coming days.
After sagas involving Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim, it appears that current Feyenoord boss Slot will be the man to take over from Jurgen Klopp at the end of the campaign.
The 45-year-old has already expressed his strong interest in the job, admitting that the clubs are currently in negotiations over a potential deal.
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Klopp has admitted that he has heard 'good' things about the Dutch coach and former Liverpool star Kuyt has also endorsed the Reds' pursuit of the former AZ coach.
Speaking with The Athletic, Kuyt was full of praise for Slot, a manager he knows well given his Feyenoord connections.
"I was surprised because since Jurgen announced that he will leave at the end of the season, other names have been mentioned as possible contenders," said Kuyt. "But it is very logical. I have not spoken to Arne, but if everything is agreed, Liverpool has made a very good choice.
"It is very interesting for me as a Dutchman who supports both Feyenoord and Liverpool. I am enthusiastic , to be honest."
He added: "“What appeals to me about Arne is his ability to make players believe in what he believes in. I talked to some of them while I was there and they all spoke very highly of him.
"They like the way he organizes training sessions and how he conveys ideas. He is great at communicating and managing the person."
Speaking about Slot's tactical style, Kuyt said: "The answer is that Slot has his own style. He doesn't copy anyone else. He knows exactly what he wants and believes in it.
"It's attractive, attacking football. He likes aggressive defending, high intensity, with the game taking place in the opponent's half, but in his own right. way. It's different from Klopp, but a lot of the principles are the same."
240112 K. Beerschot vs RSCA Futures 1b Dirk Kuijt -Kuyt- head coach of Beerschot looks dejected during the Challenger Pro League game of the 2023 - 2024 between 1B team Koninklijke Beerschot Voetbalclub Antwerpen vs RSC Anderlecht Futures on January 12 , 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium. Photo by Frank ABBELOOS/Isosport ANTWERPEN BELGIUM PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBELxUKxUSA Copyright: xx 429727
On his personality off the field, Kuyt added: "You cannot compare Feyenoord with Liverpool, but Arne is used to dealing with pressure and high expectations.
"When faced with difficult situations, when results were not good, or when he was asked difficult questions by the media, he always kept the control and he stuck to his principles and vision of how he wanted to play. He never gave me a negative experience."
Kuyt once spent a week behind the scenes at Feyenoord working with Slot, so his endorsement of the potential new Liverpool coach is pretty significant.
While Slot may not have been the first name on Liverpool supporters' wishlists, he seems like a good fit for the Reds regardless.
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