Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Liverpool have appointed an “exceptional coach” in Arne Slot.
The Dutchman started pre-season with his new team on Friday but, when he was asked whether Slot would make changes to his squad, Arteta replied:
“I don’t know. That’s a question for him and the people that have decided to come here. Welcome to the Premier League. I think he is an exceptional coach.”
Slot will have big shoes to fill, following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield, and Arteta admits he will miss the German in the dugout:
“Obviously, it is a bit sad to see Jürgen leave because what he has brought to the league, I think, is something unprecedented with his charisma, his way of playing, and the moments he has created in this league.”
Slot needs to hit the ground running
It is one thing to manage successfully in the Netherlands, and quite another to do it in England, and Liverpool’s new head coach must show he can adapt to life in the Premier League quickly.
In terms of potential signings, Sporting director Richard Hughes has said any deals may come later in the window, once Slot has a chance to work with this group of players, but it appears there won’t be a great deal of movement.
Liverpool’s season expectations
From the sounds of things, Slot will have much the same squad that finished 3rd last campaign, so it will be interesting to see whether he can improve the club’s fortunes.
Most fans would accept a top 4 finish in his first season at the club, but if he could challenge Arsenal and Manchester City, it would be some achievement. He would certainly live up to Arteta’s glowing appraisal that he is an “exceptional” manager.
