Arne Slot will be patiently waiting in the background as Liverpool prepare to announce him as their new manager.
Just getting the Liverpool job on its own is huge because of the immense pressure that comes with taking charge of English football’s biggest club.
But to then be tasked with replacing Jurgen Klopp, it sure does make Arne Slot’s life that bit harder.
Since the turn of the century, whoever has taken charge of Liverpool, has always been reminded that the team hasn’t won the Premier League title in so long.
That was usually the dark cloud over the manager’s head and most of them failed on the domestic scene before Klopp ended the 30-year wait.
Not since the 80s has a manager walked into a Liverpool environment that is probably slightly different than all those who have come before him.
But will the Dutchman have the minerals to lead the club to glory? And is his CV worthy of being given the job?
Richard Keys didn’t hold back and made it clear that he isn’t convinced by this expected appointment, as he wrote in his blog.
Many names were tipped to replace Klopp from obvious shouts such as Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen to even Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
But Keys thinks Liverpool, who are already seemingly discussing transfers with their next manager, won’t tell you that Slot wasn’t their first choice.
The beIN SPORTS presenter added that you won’t also hear that Slot’s record in Holland ‘isn’t even as good as Erik ten Hag’s was’.
Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag
“I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that Manchester United did,” said Keys. “Arne ten Slot. Really? Not for me. And I’m not alone. There isn’t a Liverpool fan that I’ve spoken to (who) isn’t totally underwhelmed by the news ten Slot is going to replace Klopp.
“Ok. Let’s cut him some slack. I accept we don’t know. It could turn out to be an inspired appointment. But I’m not convinced. Why ten Slot? (I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he?). I guarantee you we’ll hear all the same things they said about ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveil their man. What you won’t hear is an admission that he wasn’t first choice. Or that his record in Holland isn’t even as good as ten Hag’s was.
“In amongst the things I’ve read about him so far was a revealing line that ten Slot will not be ‘manager’ at Anfield. He’s going to be ‘head coach’. Why is that significant? Well – I believe because it cements Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football’.”
Patience is needed with Arne Slot
Many will state that Slot needs a fast start because, if he struggles early on, then he will only add to the intense pressure that will be on him.
This is where the senior players need to step up. The current performances from the team, the inability to hit the target and defend as a unit, has to be out of their system by next season.
READ MORE: What Feyenoord’s players have often been heard saying about Arne Slot after matches
If those signs rear their ugly head, then it won’t bode well for anyone because everyone is seeing what sort of effect that is having on the team.
Will Liverpool be expected to push for the Premier League title? A lot will depend on who stays and how much money is spent in the transfer market.
But, at a bare minimum, Slot will have to achieve a top-four finish, and not drag themselves over the line, but looking comfortable.
