Liverpool fans will have been learning a heck of a lot about potential new manager Arne Slot over the past couple of days.
The Feyenoord boss has emerged as the front-runner to replace Jurgen Klopp next season, with the two clubs in negotiation over a fee.
And although Liverpool’s first offer to the current Dutch champions was rejected, it looks likely that an agreement will soon be reached. Unless anything unexpected happens, it’s going to be Slot.
That may come as a surprise to many. But the more you read about the 45-year-old, the more you can understand the reasons Liverpool reportedly like him so much.
There have been some doubts, of course, but by and large it sounds like Slot is ready to give it a real go at Anfield. And as a former Liverpool and Feyenoord hero, Dirk Kuyt is starting to get excited.
What has Dirk Kuyt said about Arne Slot
A player for six years at Liverpool and for five across two spells at Feyenoord, Kuyt is well placed to comment on Slot. And that’s exactly what he has been doing.
Now a successful manager himself having just guided Belgian second division side Beerschot to promotion, Kuyt has been speaking to The Athletic about Liverpool’s incoming new manager.
It’s safe to say that Dirk thinks the Reds are making themselves a shrewd choice.
“It makes a lot of sense,” says the 43-year-old. “I haven’t spoken to Arne but if everything is agreed, Liverpool have made a very good choice.
“It’s interesting for me as a Dutchman who is both a Feyenoord and Liverpool supporter. I’m a bit excited, to be honest.”
Read More: EXCLUSIVE: I played with Arne Slot and I watched him coach, he’s perfect for Liverpool
How close is Arne Slot to Liverpool
If anyone was in any doubt about Slot being chosen as Liverpool’s next manager, then the man himself should have put that to bed on Thursday night.
Before Feyenoord’s 3-1 win over Go Ahead Eagles, the Dutchman admitted that he wanted to take over at Liverpool. He isn’t shying away from it.
So, all that’s seemingly left is for the Reds to agree a price with their Eredivisie counterparts. Once that’s done, the rest should be smooth sailing.
We’re unsure when that could be, although things have previously been reported to be ‘moving fast.’
Like Kuyt, we’re excited. If you’re not, then that’s understandable too. But whether you like it or not, a new era at Anfield is about to start.