Feyenoord coach Arne Slot has confirmed he will succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.
Klopp, who has been at the helm of the Reds since October 2015, is stepping down at the end of the season following a successful tenure that includes Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cup victories.
Following Klopp’s January announcement of his departure, various managers were seen as top candidates for the role. However, in April, BBC Sport reported that Slot was poised to take over after a compensation agreement worth up to £9.4 million was reached with Feyenoord.
“I can confirm that I will become the trainer there next year,” Slot said on Friday.
“Until now I was not thinking about this being the build-up to my last match, but that starts coming now. At the beginning of the week you are thinking about training and those kind of things.
“But the feeling gets stronger now. That is why I’m a little bit late now [for the news conference], because I wanted to say goodbye to some people personally and take time for them, more than just shaking hands.
“I understand that good results help, but it is very nice to feel that people really are thinking it’s a pity that I’m leaving.”
Slot will manage Feyenoord for the last time in Sunday’s Eredivisie home match against Excelsior, concluding his three-year tenure.
On the same day, Klopp’s era at Liverpool will come to an end with a home Premier League match against Wolves.
Feyenoord confirmed the 45-year-old’s departure on social media, saying: “The Arne Slot era is coming to an end. Let’s enjoy the last moments.”
Liverpool have not commented on the announcement.