Liverpool job was difficult to ignore – Slot

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that the opportunity to take over from Jurgen Klopp was too big to ignore.

The Reds agreed on a compensation deal worth £9.4 million with Feyenoord in April after identifying the 45-year-old as the man to succeed Klopp at Anfield.

Klopp, who had been in charge of Liverpool since October 2015, left the club following their season-finale win against Wolves on Sunday.

After the game, the 56-year-old German called on Liverpool fans to get behind their new boss, chanting, “Arne Slot, na na na na na.” Slot’s three-year contract at Liverpool will officially start on 1 June, subject to a work permit.

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“It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people,” Slot told Feyenoord’s club website. “But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”

Following Liverpool’s announcement on Monday, Mohamed Salah appeared to suggest he would remain at Anfield next season. “We know that trophies are what counts and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it, and we will fight like hell,” the 31-year-old posted on X.

The Reds rejected a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Salah last summer, but the Saudi Pro League’s director of football, Michael Emenalo, later said the door was not closed to the Egypt winger.

Klopp ended his stint by winning every possible trophy for the club despite missing out on several grand finales. His tenure at the Merseyside club was marked by historic achievements, including a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, and multiple domestic cups.

As Arne Slot prepares to lead the team, fans and players alike are hopeful that the new era will bring continued success and silverware to Anfield.