Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arne Slot, Jurgen Klopp, Michael Edwards, Feyenoord
Richard Keys has had his say on prospective Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
On Friday, it was widely reported that Slot is set to become Liverpool’s next manager after the terms of his move to Feyenoord were agreed in principle between the two clubs.
The two parties are said to have reached a verbal agreement over a deal, which will allegedly see Feyenoord receive €9million (£7.7million) plus €2million (£1.88million) in add-ons for the 45-year-old.
And ahead of Slot’s arrival on Merseyside, beIN Sport anchor Keys has compared the Dutchman to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, adding that Liverpool fans are “underwhelmed” by the news.
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Writing in his latest blog, titled “Arne ten Slot”, Keys said: “I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that Utd did. Arne ten Slot. Really? Not for me. And I’m not alone. There isn’t a Liverpool fan that I’ve spoken to isn’t totally underwhelmed by the news ten Slot is going to replace Klopp.
“Ok. Let’s cut him some slack. I accept we don’t know. It could turn out to be an inspired appointment. But I’m not convinced.
“Why ten Slot? (I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he?). I guarantee you we’ll hear all the same things they said about Ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveil their man. What you won’t hear is an admission that he wasn’t first choice. Or that his record in Holland isn’t even as good as Ten Hag’s was.
“In amongst the things I’ve read about him so far was a revealing line that Ten Slot will not be ‘manager’ at Anfield. He’s going to be ‘head coach’.
“Why is that significant? Well - I believe because it cements Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football’.
“Edwards has only recently returned to Liverpool after a two-year absence. Perhaps it’s just co-incidence he’s back when Klopp is leaving? But I don’t believe it is. Talk to insiders and they’ll tell you he left after a fall-out with Klopp, who ended up running Liverpool from top to bottom. Quite simply - Edwards lost the power struggle.
“There is no way Edwards would’ve returned to the club unless he had assurances about having total control of all football matters. That meant he’d be working with a coach - not a manager. Whether he’s chosen the right one only time will tell.”
