Arne Slot has spoken for the first time since being named the new Liverpool head coach (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot has insisted that the Liverpool job was too good an offer to turn down in an emotional farewell to Feyenoord fans. The Reds confirmed the appointment of Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor on Monday evening.
The Dutchman will start work as Liverpool’s new head coach from the start of June, pending a work permit. His first major task will be to oversee a busy summer transfer window.
In a message posted on Feyenoord’s website, Slot said: “It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people.
“But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore. I am grateful to Feyenoord for their willingness to cooperate in this transition.”
Slot leaves Feyenoord having won an Eredivisie title in 2023 and, more recently, the KNVB Cup. The Dutch outfit finished runners-up to PSV last season.
Arne Slot has bid farewell to Feyenoord ahead of becoming Liverpool head coach (Image: Getty)
He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Feyenoord and have felt very much at home from day one, both within the club and with the supporters.
“When I started in Rotterdam in the summer of 2021, I was convinced that it was possible to achieve success at this wonderful club. The fact that we have reached a European final in three years and won several prizes makes me more than proud.
“I am proud of the players and staff who have worked hard day in, day out for those achievements. To all other sections of the club, who have each contributed to the success in their own way. And of course also to the supporters, who experienced Feyenoord’s many wonderful moments so intensely and passionately. As an opponent it is already impressive when you enter De Kuip, but when you are really part of it you feel it so much more.
“Feyenoord is the club where I was able to celebrate the first major successes in my career as a trainer and where I experienced many great matches, so I cherish those memories.
“And as a football fan I will certainly continue to follow the club, not least because I am convinced that there are still many great things to come in Rotterdam. I wish Feyenoord and everyone who cares about this wonderful club all the best for the future.”
Liverpool are widely believed to have negotiated a £9.4million compensation package with Feyenoord to lure Slot to the Premier League. The former AZ Alkmaar boss, who joined Feyenoord in 2021, was identified as the top candidate during a thorough recruitment process that saw Liverpool linked with Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1901522/Arne-Slot-emotional-message-Liverpool