Richard Keys has proposed that Liverpool may be erring in their choice to pursue Feyenoord’s Arne Slot this summer. With Jürgen Klopp’s impending departure, Anfield will see a new figure in the home dugout for the first time since 2015.
Under the guidance of FSG CEO of football Michael Edwards, Liverpool has pinpointed Arne Slot as a suitable candidate to succeed the departing German. However, Keys advocates for the selection of Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou instead.
Postecoglou, who transitioned from Celtic to Spurs last summer, was initially a target for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy before Slot.
Despite Feyenoord’s manager expressing interest in working in the Premier League, he declined Levy’s advances, leading to Tottenham’s pursuit of Postecoglou.
“I’d go for Postecoglou,” Keys told beIN Sports. “The reason I say that is, initially I thought it would take too much to get him out. Then I was told that because he wasn’t first choice, his salary’s not great, and the buy-out is not very big.
“That would be my preferred choice. I think he’d be terrific at Anfield. I just didn’t think it would be possible because I couldn’t see [Daniel] Levy letting him go, but I’m told the figures do make sense.”
Nevertheless, Van Dijk has shared his opinion on potential Klopp replacement.
Xabi Alonso removed himself from consideration early in the selection process, while Sporting CP’s manager Rúben Amorim was also under consideration. However, it now seems that Slot may emerge as the preferred candidate.
That being said, Jamie Carragher gave no chills regarding potential Liverpool manager.
Author’s opinion
Postecoglou has been doing well at Spurs, especially considering the blow of losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer. However, Liverpool has the potential to aim higher than him. This was evidently the case for Tottenham when they pursued Slot, only to have him turn down the opportunity.
Although Slot might not have been on the radar of many Liverpool fans before emerging as the frontrunner for the Anfield role, it’s logical that he’s a strong contender based on data analysis.
His style of play is dynamic and aligns well with Liverpool’s established strategies. Postecoglou is competent, but Slot presents a more appealing prospect for Liverpool as they strive to progress further.