Who is Arne Slot? A look at the new Liverpool manager’s career so far

So it’s official. Arne Slot is the man Liverpool have appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield - and boy does he have a hard act to follow.

Charismatic German Klopp leaves Merseyside with his head held high having established a legacy and will live long in the memory of the passionate Liverpool fanbase.

Klopp joined The Kop in singing Slot’s name after the Reds’ final home game of the 2023/24 Premier League season, so he is likely to be welcomed with open arms at Anfield.

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at Slot’s career so far, which has been like a well-executed set-piece: precise, effective, and occasionally surprising.

Playing Career

Early Years and Zwolle (1995-2002):

Arne Slot kicked off his playing days at FC Zwolle in 1995, back when grunge music was still cool and football shorts were inexplicably short.

Slot was a midfielder who made passing look as easy as a Sunday stroll. His vision on the field was sharper than a referee’s whistle.

He spent seven years at Zwolle, clocking up over 160 appearances and probably earning enough frequent flyer miles on the pitch to circumnavigate the globe.

NAC Breda (2002-2007):

In 2002, Slot moved to NAC Breda, where he continued his midfield magic.

With more than 150 appearances over five seasons, he established himself as a reliable playmaker. You could say he was the kind of midfielder who could find space in a phone booth.

Sparta Rotterdam and FC Zwolle (2007-2013):

Slot joined Sparta Rotterdam in 2007, bringing experience and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

He returned to FC Zwolle (later PEC Zwolle) in 2009, where he played until he hung up his boots in 2013.

Slot was the epitome of consistency, like that one friend who never misses a pub night.

Managerial Career

Early Coaching Roles:

After retiring, Slot jumped into coaching with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, taking on various youth and assistant coaching roles.

He quickly showed he had a mind for management, proving he was more than just a former player with a whistle.

AZ Alkmaar (2017-2020):

Slot joined AZ Alkmaar as an assistant coach in 2017. His tactical smarts were soon evident, and he was promoted to head coach in 2019.

Under Slot, AZ Alkmaar played football that was easier on the eyes than a holiday in the Maldives. They finished the 2019-2020 season second, tied on points with Ajax, and would have celebrated more if COVID-19 hadn’t put a lid on things.

Feyenoord (2021-Present):

In December 2020, Slot got the call to take over Feyenoord, starting from the 2021-2022 season. It was like being handed the keys to a shiny new sports car.

Slot’s impact was immediate, transforming Feyenoord into a team that played like they had rocket boots. They reached the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2021-2022, narrowly missing out to AS Roma.

The 2022-2023 season saw Slot guide Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, their first since 2017.

He probably celebrated with a dance move or two, or at least a very enthusiastic fist pump.

Managerial Style and Philosophy

Tactical Innovation: Slot is like a footballing MacGyver, always finding new ways to exploit opponents’ weaknesses with a tactical paperclip and some chewing gum.

High Pressing and Possession: His teams press higher than a teenager’s fashion sense and hold onto the ball like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party.

Player Development: Slot has a knack for turning young talents into stars. He’s basically a footballing wizard, minus the pointy hat.

Achievements and Honors

As a Manager:

Eredivisie champions with Feyenoord (2022-2023). That’s right, he brought the bling back to Rotterdam.

UEFA Europa Conference League runners-up with Feyenoord (2021-2022). So close, yet so dramatic.

Led AZ Alkmaar to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie (2019-2020). Almost heroes, but heroes nonetheless.

Arne Slot has carved out a reputation as a football mastermind, with a sprinkle of humor and a lot of flair.

He’s the kind of manager who can make even a 0-0 draw seem like a thrilling adventure - and is a welcome addition to England’s top tier. Bring on next season.