THE ARNE SLOT STATEMENT AND JURGEN KLOPP HOMAGE THAT WILL HAVE LIVERPOOL FANS EXCITED FOR HIS DEBUT SEASON

Arne Slot has delivered his first press conference as Liverpool manager.

Arne Slot sat down for his highly-anticipated first press conference as Liverpool manager this week and he has taken the time to touch on things that supporters will certainly want to hear.

The news of Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave the club sent shockwaves through the fanbase and beyond. After nine iconic years at the club, Klopp bid an emotional farewell after the Reds’ final home game of the season. Silence fell over the stands as every remaining fan in Anfield listened to the boss give perhaps the most important speech of his Liverpool tenure.

He urged them to keep believing, he promised them he would forever remain connected with the club, he thanked them for almost a decade of unwavering support. Above all, he kickstarted the love for the incoming Slot, rippling the Dutchman’s new chant around the grounds that we will certainly hear plenty of times throughout his stay.

Now, Slot has repaid the favour and took his time to reflect on what Klopp achieved at Liverpool and how he is going to build on the legacy left, and follow a similar path to his German predecessor.

“It is not about what I tell you now, it is more special what Jurgen did to this club. When he arrived he said he was the 'Normal One' but what made him special was the impression he left behind, winning trophies of course but his playing style the fans loved,” Slot told the media. “Maybe he said he was the 'Normal One' but the fans see him differently, maybe not as a person but what he did for the club was more than normal, let's put it that way.

“It will take some time to understand everything but the way I am going to use my time in the upcoming weeks is, of course, to make the team and players in the best possible way for us to be ready for the first game. It always helps to get to know the city but I think as a manager it helps even more if you win most of your games.

“With Jurgen it was a combination of getting to know the city, getting to know the style of play fans like. I don't want to take words out of Richard’s [Hughes] mouth but I think one of the reasons why he came to me was our playing style is not so much different.

“We both like the fans to come into the stadium and see a team that plays with a lot of energy, that plays good football. That is the thing I am focused on most. If we do that in the best possible way it will probably give me some time as well and if I have time then I can get to know the city a bit better. But it all starts with improving the team and winning as many games as we can.”

There is currently a lot speculation surrounding Liverpool’s first summer transfer window without Klopp. Naturally, a lot of eyes are on Slot’s team and what they are planning for this exciting but so far unknown new era. Of course it’s important for Slot to have his say ahead of his debut season but confirming his plan to embark upon a similar journey with the fans as Klopp did will mean a whole lot more than how much money is spent in his first few months.

Klopp’s reign at Anfield was more than just the trophies he won, it was the togetherness he created between him, the players, and the fans. It was how much of a likeable and relatable figure he was, how close he felt to the city at all times and the things he did to honour those who supported him week in, week out. The several murals around Liverpool speak for themselves.

Seeing some statement signings come through the door will definitely get Slot off on the right foot but the promise of a solid foundation and bond with the fans is worth more than showing off how much he wants to spend on the transfer window. Acknowledging he has big shoes to fill also shows he is aware that there will be a teething process for him, like any manager, but he is eager to build these links with fans on a personal level.

2024-07-05T18:13:37Z dg43tfdfdgfd