Liverpool’s data-driven search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor has pushed Feyenoord manager Arne Slot into pole position for the Anfield hot seat.
Feyenoord cancelled a press conference scheduled for Wednesday as news of Liverpool’s interest emerged – although sources played down talk that a move for the 45-year-old was at an “advanced stage”.
But Slot is now one of the front-runners to succeed Klopp after Liverpool’s due diligence identified him as a candidate whose playing style, values and ability to improve players on the training pitch align closely with the club’s values.
i understands Slot would be interested in the Liverpool job, although Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi have also been discussed.
While Liverpool aren’t close to making an appointment – indeed it is understood that formal interviews are yet to take place – there is a sense that things are moving at Anfield. Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso ruled himself out last month while West Ham’s links to Amorim came as Liverpool’s interest in him cooled.
i previously reported that the Reds were prepared to make an “out-of-the-box” appointment ahead of Michael Edwards’ reunion with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group as CEO of football. Their detailed recruitment process has seen director of research Will Spearman heavily involved – and Slot’s inclusion on the shortlist should not come as a surprise.
Indeed his name figured prominently on a list prepared for i by data specialists Analytics FC back in February. Their head of content Alex Stewart told i Slot is a “good stylistic fit” and his teams play with the same aggression as Klopp’s side, favouring longer passes and quick breaks.
Slot’s CV is impressive; he won the Dutch Cup last weekend with Feyenoord and won the Eredivisie in 2022-23. He is charismatic and adored by the club’s supporters, while he was also a contender for the Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur vacancies last season, although opted against pursuing either.
His stance would likely change if Liverpool formalise their interest, with the prospect of replacing Klopp understood to appeal. Feyenoord will likely fight to keep him, though.
The Reds appear to be trying to steal a march on their rivals in what promises to be a busy managerial market in the summer.
As well as Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are trying to fill managerial vacancies, while Manchester United could join that crop of clubs if Ineos decide to dispense with Erik ten Hag.
The number of potential candidates seems to be dwindling, with Julian Nagelsmann having committed himself to Germany until 2026.
De Zerbi, who is admired by incoming Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes, also has admirers at Bayern Munich and there was an element of politicking when news of West Ham’s interest in Amorim emerged earlier this week. The Portuguese was a heavy favourite for the Liverpool job but that interest appears to have cooled as Slot becomes a contender.
