Mikel Arteta makes his feelings clear on new Liverpool boss Arne Slot after 'sad' Jurgen Klopp exit

Mikel Arteta has delivered his verdict on new Liverpool boss Arne Slot ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Liverpool were tasked with replacing Jurgen Klopp following a stunning eight-and-a-half-year spell at the club.

He won the Premier League and the Champions League during his legendary managerial stint at Anfield.

The 57-year-old moved on as he announced his shock decision to leave the Reds during last season.

Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso were linked with replacing Klopp at Liverpool before they opted for Feyenoord's Slot, who officially began his new role last month.

Klopp's departure and Slot's arrival will bring an end to the German's rivalry with the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Arsenal manager Arteta.

And ahead of going head-to-head with the Dutchman, Arteta has welcomed him to the Premier League and called him an 'exceptional coach'.

But he admits it's 'sad' to see Klopp leave England's top flight following their intense battles over the years.

Asked how Slot will change Liverpool, he replied: "I don't know. That's a question for him and the people that have decided to come here.

"Welcome to the Premier League. I think he is an exceptional coach. Obviously, it is a bit sad to see Jurgen leave because what he has brought to the league, I think, is something unprecedented with his charisma, his way of playing and the moments he has created in this league."

Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta share an embrace before Liverpool vs. Arsenal last season. Image: Getty

Slot's team travel to the Emirates in October in what could be a huge top-of-the-table clash.

He has the unenviable job of filling Klopp's shoes as he will be hoping to emulate Klopp's success at Liverpool.

The 45-year-old guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in the 2022/23 campaign and bagged the KNVB Cup last season.