Liverpool look ready to move a step closer to hiring Arne Slot as their new manager.
The Reds have been on the lookout for the right man to replace Jurgen Klopp for the past three months.
And although the likes of Ruben Amorim have previously appeared to be favourites, Slot has now emerged as the clear front-runner.
Having had a bid for the 45-year-old rejected by Feyenoord on Wednesday, Thursday brought news that FSG are continuing to negotiate in order to find an agreement. It doesn’t look a million miles away.
Since the news of Slot’s ascension broke on Tuesday, plenty of pundits have been weighing in on how he will fare at Liverpool, including Jamie Carragher. So far, much of the tone has been slightly sceptical, and Reds legend Steve Nicol now follows that same view.
Steve Nicol ‘underwhelmed’ by Arne Slot
Such is Klopp’s status at Liverpool, that it was always going to be a difficult job for whoever follows him at Anfield.
As a result, the incoming manager needs to have an incredibly strong personality. Slot appears to tick that box – as well as plenty of others.
But according to Nicol, while the Dutchman may be well equipped in some ways to handle Liverpool, his limited coaching experience makes him a big gamble.
“Underwhelmed,” the 62-year-old told ESPN when asked for his response to Slot being installed as top candidate.
“I mean, is that the resume of somebody to lead Liverpool back to the Premier League title and the Champions League? I can’t honestly say that.
“All the other boxes have been ticked. The way they play the game, the way he goes about it. You know he’s going to be able to coach but is it really a resume to take over one of the biggest clubs in the land? I’m not sure it is. But what are the alternatives.”
Is anyone else still being considered by Liverpool
Although Slot is quite clearly now Liverpool’s choice here, there is still a chance that it all goes belly up.
As reported on Tuesday, there are potentially other top teams in for the former AZ Alkmaar manager as well. It isn’t a done deal. Consequently, Liverpool need to keep other options ready just in case they’re needed.
One of them could still be Amorim, despite his talks with West Ham this week. Those negotiations were reportedly intended to put pressure on Liverpool to make a decision.
If an agreement can’t be reached with Feyenoord then the Sporting boss would still look the most likely alternative.
Roberto De Zerbi is also claimed to be still under consideration in case of an emergency, too.
