Arne Slot gives his very first Liverpool interview

It may have taken some time but Arne Slot is finally at work in Liverpool for the upcoming season.

Liverpool FC has officially unveiled Arne Slot as the club’s new head coach, succeeding Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure earlier this year. Slot, formerly the manager of Feyenoord, was confirmed to take over from Klopp back in May.

Jurgen Klopp, who made headlines worldwide with his decision to step down at the end of the 2023/24 season, left big shoes to fill at Anfield. His departure in January initiated a thorough search for his successor, culminating in the appointment of the 45-year-old Dutchman, Arne Slot.

In a respectful gesture, Slot requested to delay his first official interview to honor Klopp and the departing players and staff. On Wednesday afternoon, Slot finally addressed the public in his debut interview as Liverpool’s head coach.

“Excited, really looking forward to the new challenge which is ahead of me. We are, of course, looking at the training ground, which is fantastic, so there are a lot of things to look forward to.

“The team is coming back in a few weeks and yeah, [I am] looking forward to a new start after a nice period I had at Feyenoord,” Slot shared.

When asked about the timing of his first interview, Arne Slot explained,

“First and foremost, maybe the farewell of Jürgen, which was really special from what I saw. It was on the same day I left Feyenoord as well but I did see a few things and afterwards there were even a few more farewells from what I saw, so I think it was fair to him and to the club and to the supporters to wait a bit and then to come in.

“Apart from that, I went on holiday as you probably can see! And yeah, I think now is a good moment to arrive here and talk to you, but let’s be clear:

“I don’t start today, I’ve been in a lot of contact with staff members already – from people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard [Hughes] and me are calling each other because we have to talk. This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready, and we have to play in the pre-season.

“So, a lot of things have been done but more in the background and now I am sitting here in front of you, I think it’s a good moment to do it now for the few reasons I just gave you.”

Slot’s appointment marks a new era for Liverpool, as fans and the football world eagerly anticipate how he will shape the future of the club.