With present Feyenoord supervisor Arne Slot set to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, we spoke to Dutch soccer journalist Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) to study extra in regards to the new head coach.
Why do you suppose Liverpool have been thinking about Slot?
Folks consider that he’s similar to Jurgen Klopp with enjoying fashion, a little bit little bit of charisma about him as nicely. Some comparisons as nicely have been made with Pep Guardiola.
I believe he is excellent however I’m not going to exit and say he’s pretty much as good as him already. In fact he can’t have confirmed himself but however, Arne Slot, attempting to speak about him cautiously, I do suppose he’s that good.
I do suppose he’s up there, by far the very best supervisor within the Netherlands and has been for 4 years now, and I’m saying that with, after all, Erik ten Hag having come from the identical nation.
Slot is somebody who’s obsessive about enjoying fashion, an excellent man-manager and I believe he’s obtained what it takes.
Ought to followers fear that he’s unproven outdoors the Netherlands?
I believe what he’s been capable of present within the Netherlands is that just about each season he’s been a head coach, he’s had a hit.
Whether or not that was profitable the Dutch league final season, the Dutch Cup this season, or going again so far as 2017 with second-tier facet Cambuur – he managed to complete third having taken over mid-table and reached the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup.
He’s at all times been capable of stretch gamers, individuals, what the membership can obtain and stamp his authority on the historical past of golf equipment, whether or not that was with AZ Alkmaar or Feyenoord.
I believe that what units him aside is the best way that he performs soccer, although, and I believe that’s why Liverpool need him.
Does Liverpool’s squad match his fashion or is an overhaul wanted?
I don’t suppose an overhaul is required. I additionally don’t suppose it might be proper to check him to Klopp and say he must have the identical influence.
He likes to play a 4-2-3-1, however in Dutch fashion that’s a 4-3-3 principally.
Out of the highest seven leagues in Europe, his facet Feyenoord have essentially the most turnovers of any membership – second place is Liverpool.
Recoveries as nicely, so by way of coming again into video games they’re at all times fighters. They wish to pressure themselves upon opposition and he’s only a very attacking coach.
I do suppose that he’s somebody that likes who likes to make use of the width, by way of getting additional gamers ahead to open up areas, making house within the centre of the pitch utilizing a double pivot.
Liverpool, no doubt, would most likely take a backward step after him coming in, however you must anticipate that a little bit bit with the change.
I believe the best way that he will get to full-back to press up excessive with the winger is a mark of the best way he will get these sides to play.
Does he at all times stick with his system or does he adapt to the opposition?
On the entire he sticks to what he has. Infrequently has he modified the formation however he often has put a second striker on and put him within the No. 10 place.
He does rotate the place the gamers play, so Mats Wieffer is a midfielder however after they’re chasing a recreation, he’ll drop in at centre-back they usually’ll put an additional attacking participant on.
He does these type of issues, however they’re fairly predictable when chasing the sport.
Any gamers he would possibly wish to carry with him?
Quilindschy Hartman is a good left-back, a expertise of the longer term. He’ll be the Netherlands left-back for a very long time to return.
Wieffer has accomplished fairly nicely this season, however I don’t know the way a lot increased his ceiling is.
• READ HERE: Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida “would love” Liverpool switch
Santiago Gimenez has been nice for Feyenoord for a season-and-a-half however there’s no-one that you just’re pondering ‘yeah, he’s going to take him with him. He’s sensible’.
However they’ve numerous excellent gamers who’ve the potential maybe to play for a workforce like Liverpool.
Massive thanks go to Michael for his perception. You’ll be able to observe Michael Statham on X (Twitter) @EredivisieMike.
