Arne Slot, the former Feyenoord coach who was confirmed as Liverpool manager on Monday, is renowned for his passionate leadership, ability to maximize player potential, and strong emphasis on work ethic.
A fervent admirer of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Slot himself was a slick forward player known for his accurate passing, earning him the distinction of having a move named after him.
Here are six key facts about the 45-year-old who will succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield:
Dressing Room Style
When Arne Slot‘s name emerged as a contender for the Anfield job, Liverpool fans eagerly shared a stirring team talk he delivered to his Feyenoord players after a historic victory over Ajax.
“The reason why we are where we are today is that you work your ass off every single day. And that’s the reason you could beat this team in their own stadium, without our fans being here,” Slot told the dressing room.
“But it’s only a win. It’s a big win, but we have a bigger goal this season than winning for the first time in 17 years in Amsterdam,” Slot said to cheers from the team.
Tactical Expertise
The 45-year-old Dutchman is recognized for his tactical intelligence and ability to adapt strategies to suit his team’s strengths and opponents’ weaknesses. His approach has been praised for its fluidity and effectiveness on the pitch.
Commitment to Nurturing Skills
Throughout his career, Slot has shown a strong commitment to developing young talent. He focuses on nurturing players’ skills and fostering their growth, making him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s future ambitions.
Guardiola Influence
Slot’s coaching philosophy is heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola. He admires Guardiola’s tactical acumen and innovative approach, which have significantly shaped his own managerial methods.
The British press has already dubbed Slot the “Dutch Pep Guardiola” for the high-pressing attacking style much beloved by Feyenoord fans.
In several interviews, he has cited Guardiola as his role model, telling the Algemeen Dagblad (AD) last year: “Players always look very good under him. And the same players seem worse with managers before and after him.”
Slot certainly admires the legendary Spanish coach of Manchester City but will now face the task of trying to stop him from winning a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title next season.
The Arne Slot Pass
Arne Slot joined PEC Zwolle as a 17-year-old striker, quickly gaining a reputation for his exceptional technique rather than his pace.
“Many people thought Arne was lazy and phlegmatic. But that wasn’t right. You just shouldn’t expect sliding tackles,” his former coach Jan Everse told public broadcaster NOS.
Described as “silky” and “cultured,” Slot’s playing style left a lasting impression at PEC Zwolle. The club still utilizes the “Arne Slot Pass,” a move that epitomizes his technical prowess, as former teammate Bram van Polen attests.
The Arne Slot Pass involves a slight deflection from a forward with his back to the goal, effectively splitting the defense and setting up a winger running off the ball.
Leadership Style
Slot is celebrated for his ability to motivate his players and cultivate a hardworking team environment. His leadership approach emphasizes dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As a coach, Slot is known for a fierce work ethic, driving to Feyenoord’s camp before dawn, watching every training session, and obsessively studying future opponents.
“I say to Feyenoord: you have to ensure that you create four times as many chances as your opponent and work twice as hard,” Slot told the AD.
“In all the matches that we have won this season, we see in the data that we have run 20 or 30 per cent more than the opposition. Matches we didn’t win: only three or six per cent more.”
“Every training, every meeting must be spot on,” he said.
This has led to results for Feyenoord, seen as a team with physically fit players who work hard for each other and often score late goals.
Slot appears to have cultivated this work ethic as a manager, rather than when he was a player.
“He wants his boys to be fit… he didn’t have that before. I don’t know if he has ever seen the inside of a weights room,” said former teammate Van Polen.
