Arne Slot described the chance to work at one of the “biggest clubs in the world” as “difficult to ignore” upon being announced as Liverpool’s new head coach.
The Reds reached a compensation agreement worth £9.4 million with Feyenoord in April, after identifying the 45-year-old as the successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Klopp, who had managed Liverpool since October 2015, departed the club following their season-finale victory against Wolves on Sunday.
Following the match, the 56-year-old German urged Liverpool fans to support their new manager, leading a chant of “Arne Slot, na na na na na.”
Slot’s three-year contract with Liverpool will officially commence on June 1, pending the approval of a work permit.
“It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people,” Slot told Feyenoord’s club website.
“But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”
Following Liverpool’s announcement on Monday, Mohamed Salah appeared to suggest he would remain at Anfield next season.
“We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell,” the 31-year-old posted on X.
Liverpool rejected a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Salah last summer, but Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League’s director of football, later indicated that the door remains open for the Egyptian winger.
Dutchman Arne Slot led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season. This season, they have won the Dutch Cup and finished second in the league.
Feyenoord’s general manager, Dennis te Kloese, commented, “At Feyenoord, you don’t like to let go of a trainer who has meant as much to the club as Arne.”
“At the same time, we understand very well that working at a club like Liverpool is a special and unique opportunity for him. With that in mind, we started the conversation to see if we could find a solution together, and in the end we succeeded.”
It is believed that Slot’s attacking style, his personality, and his ability to develop players were key factors in making him Liverpool’s top choice for the job.
Slot became Feyenoord manager in 2021 and expressed his interest in managing in the Premier League when he was linked with Tottenham in 2023.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title this season, was also considered for the position at Anfield. However, the 42-year-old Spaniard ended the speculation in March by stating he would remain with Leverkusen for the time being.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim was also reported to be a contender to succeed Klopp, who announced in January that he would leave Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.