Who is Arne Slot? Everything you need to know about Liverpool's new manager

Arne Slot will take to the dugout for the first time as a Premier League manager this afternoon, with the Dutchman hoping to usher in a new era of success at Liverpool.

Following in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp is always going to be a big task, but just like his German counterpart, Slot already arrives at Liverpool as league champion.

Slot guided former club Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title two seasons ago, while also winning the Dutch Cup during his three-year reign.

And ahead of his maiden Premier League game as Reds boss, Express Sport have detailed everything you need to know about Liverpool’s new manager.

Did Arne Slot play professional football?

Yes, albeit not at a particularly high level. Slot started his career as a youth team player at VV Bergentheim, before playing professionally for NAC Breda, Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle in his native Netherlands.

Slot notched up close to 400 appearances across his professional career and retired as a player in 2013.

Who has Arne Slot managed before?

Three years after his retirement, Slot transitioned into coaching, before being named interim manager of SC Cambuur in October 2016.

Following an impressive spell with Cambuur, Slot was named AZ assistant in 2017 and took over as manager in December 2018.

Once again catching the eye in the dugout, Slot’s AZ were second when the Eredivisie season was curtailed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But it was with Feyenoord where Slot really caught the eye, winning two major honours, as well as guiding the Rotterdam-based outfit to the 2021/22 Europa Conference League final.

What’s Arne Slot’s style of play like?

Slot has already whet the appetite of Liverpool fans following some stellar pre-season performances in the States under their new gaffer.

Unlike Klopp’s high-intense approach, Slot’s style of play offers a greater emphasis on controlling matches through possession.

Slot’s sides will also play shorter passes in their own defensive third, with the idea to ‘play short before going long’ over an opposition’s high press.

It was evident in Liverpool’s pre-season win over Arsenal, with a long ball helping beat the Gunners’ smothering press, before Mohamed Salah was slipped through on goal, with the Egyptian doing what he does best and finding the net.

It’s likely to be a case of evolution not revolution under Slot this season, but there are still some subtle tweaks to watch out for.

Who has influenced Arne Slot’s philosophy?

Look away Liverpool fans, but Slot’s biggest influence is actually Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

On the Blues boss, Slot said in 2023: “I certainly don’t want to compare myself to Pep, but he is a control freak just like me.

“There is no team in the world I would rather watch than Manchester City, followed by Napoli, Arsenal and Brighton.”

What have people said about Arne Slot?

Slot arrives in Merseyside as one of the hottest prospects in European management, with the 45-year-old having received several glowing recommendations.

Ex-Reds manager Klopp said of his successor: “I like the way his team plays football. All the things I hear about him as a guy – a good guy…

“So good coach, good guy. Looking forward for the club, if he is the solution, if he is the man, I am more than happy.”

Dutch legend Marco van Basten said: “I’ve spoken to him a few times and what he does and how he sees the game is very impressive.”

Jan Everse, a former coach of Slot’s at PEC Zwolle, added: “He was the best player so he had time on the ball so he was already coaching players around him while he played.”