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Arne Slot has been officially named the new head coach of Liverpool Football Club, taking over from Jurgen Klopp who leaves Anfield after nine highly successful years.
Slot has signed a three-year contract and will officially assume his role on June 1, 2024, pending a work permit, as confirmed by the club. The 45-year-old coach will join the Merseyside Reds from Feyenoord in the Eredivisie after a compensation deal worth $12 million was reportedly agreed between the clubs.
During his tenure in the Dutch league, Slot led Feyenoord to a league title in 2023 and was twice named Eredivisie Manager of the Year. Last month, he guided Feyenoord to a 1-0 victory in the KNVB Cup final against NEC Nijmegen.
Before his success at Feyenoord, Slot demonstrated his coaching prowess at AZ Alkmaar, where he led the team to second place, trailing Ajax only on goal difference when the 2019-20 Dutch season was halted due to COVID-19.
Slot will become the first Dutch manager to lead Liverpool, a historic club previously managed by legends such as Bob Paisley, Bill Shankly, Sir Kenny Dalglish, and Rafa Benitez.
Slot faces the significant challenge of succeeding Klopp, who has become an integral part of Liverpool, both the club and the city.
Klopp’s Memorable Farewell
Klopp ended his tenure as Liverpool manager on a high note, with his team securing a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in his final Premier League match on Sunday, May 19.
Throughout the game, fans serenaded Klopp, singing his chant almost continuously for the entire 90 minutes. After the match, Klopp addressed the supporters, unofficially confirming Slot as his successor.
Despite his farewell, Klopp warmly welcomed Slot, even singing for the new manager during his emotional seven-minute speech.
“The new manager, I want you to sing his name,” Klopp urged. “Arne Slot, na na na na na! When the next season starts, go full throttle with the new manager. Keep believing. Don’t stop believing.”
“I saw a lot of people crying, including myself, but change is good. If you approach it with the right attitude, everything will be fine.”
During his nine years at Liverpool, Klopp won every major trophy available, including a Champions League title in 2019 and a Premier League title in 2020, ending the club’s 30-year league title drought and marking the start of a new golden era in Liverpool’s history.
