Jamie Carragher has opened up about his honest thoughts on Arne Slot, who could become Liverpool’s next manager.
At this moment in time, it looks like everything is pointing in the direction of Arne Slot. The 45-year-old Dutchman is Liverpool’s favourite candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
Barring a last-minute change in circumstances, it would be a surprise if Slot wasn’t appointed by Liverpool. Although, we have seen that happen recently, not just in the club’s managerial pursuit but with the transfers of Moises Caicedo as well.
Slot is an interesting character. He is well liked in the Netherlands and has enjoyed a lot of success at Feyenoord. It will be tough to follow in Klopp’s footsteps, though.
Jamie Carragher on his honest thoughts about Arne Slot at Liverpool
But the reality is replacing Klopp was going to be a really tough task for any manager. Slot with his affable character seems like he has the mentality to make the step-up.
Although, naturally, there will be question marks about whether he is truly ready to take on the challenge at Anfield.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Wednesday night, Jamie Carragher voiced those concerns about Slot.
“What I would say is that I think from Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump,” Carragher said.
“I think it shows that at this moment there is a dearth of real top managers out there when you actually look at who Liverpool are going for, someone initially like Xabi Alonso, who is only in his first full season as a manager.
“There was talk of Amorim from Sporting Lisbon, again he’s 39. And now Arne Slot looks like he’s the favourite right now. So, yeah I don’t think it’s like Rafa Benitez or Jurgen Klopp coming in, when Rafa Benitez came on the back of winning two La Liga titles, or Jurgen Klopp coming in winning a couple of league titles with Borussia Dortmund, next to a Champions League final.
“And Liverpool were actually in a different space then. That was a Liverpool team, certainly with Rafa Benitez that I was part of. We were trying to qualify for the top four, same with Jurgen Klopp when he came on.
“But Liverpool as I said they’re in a different area now, they’re actually fancying themselves to challenge in the Premier League every season and next season’s Champions League, they expect to go to the quarter-finals at least.
“So I think it’s a huge jump but obviously a great coach, got a great track record with the clubs that he had so far, with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, but yeah we’ll see.”
Why Arne Slot is the perfect fit for Liverpool
Carragher is right to have some doubts about Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp. However, there is a lot to admire about the Dutchman as well.
He’s a more innovative coach with fresh ideas, and he’s got a great character as well. When you are looking at the current managerial market, there are few out there who play with a great brand of attacking football and who have the character that he does as well.
So, all in all, he might just be Klopp’s perfect replacement. But of course only time will really tell how things will work out.