Liverpool appoint Feyenoord manager as Klopp successor

Liverpool have named Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as their new manager less than 24 hours after Jurgen Klopp’s final game in charge at Anfield.

Slot will become the first Dutchman to lead the Reds, confirming an appointment which had been widely expected after the 19-time Premier League champions reached a £9.4 million agreement for his services with the Eredivisie side in April.

Two-time Eredivisie Manager of the Year Slot led Feyenoord to the Dutch title in 2023 and marked his third season in charge by winning the KNVB Cup in April.

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The 45-year-old will take charge in June subject to a work permit, leading pre-season training from July.

Feyenoord reached the Uefa Europa Conference League final under the 45-year-old during the 2021/22 season, losing 1-0 to Roma.

The former AZ Alkmaar head coach was a midfielder for FC Zwolle, NAC Breda, Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle during his playing career.

Arne Slot: Liverpool manager confirmed

Klopp, who took over in October 2015, presided over his final game on Sunday, when Liverpool won 2-0 at home to Wolves to complete a campaign in which they challenged champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal until a late slump in results which also ended their hopes of winning the Europa League.

The German is regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever managers, having led them to a first Premier League title in 30 years in 2019/20.

Liverpool also won the Champions League under Klopp in 2018/19, as well as reaching the final in 2017/18 and 2021/22, losing to Real Madrid on both occasions.

The club also won the EFL Cup this season and in 2021/22, when Klopp also lifted the FA Cup courtesy of victory over Chelsea on penalties.

Liverpool’s third-placed finish means they will return to the Champions League in their first season with Slot at the helm.

Klopp has given his blessing to the decision to bring in Slot, whose attacking style of football is thought to have attracted Liverpool.