Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp tells Arne Slot: ‘You’re getting the best job in the world’

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool addresses the media at a club press conference ahead of the Emirates FA Cup tie with Norwich City at AXA Training Centre on January 26, 2024 in Kirkby, England. The club and Jurgen Klopp announced earlier in the day that he was to leave the club at end of the current season bringing an end to his successful nine year spell at the club. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
By James Pearce
Apr 26, 2024

Jurgen Klopp believes Arne Slot is a smart choice as his successor as he told the incoming Liverpool manager: “You’re getting the best job in the world.”

Liverpool are working to finalise a compensation package with Feyenoord for the Dutch coach, who has two years remaining on his contract.

A compromise is expected to be reached with Slot having made it clear that his heart is set on taking over at Anfield.

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“I didn’t read anything but I was told that Arne said something,” Klopp said on the potential of Slot becoming his successor.

“I am not involved in the process. What I like a lot about it is if he is the one then he wants to take the job — he’s desperate, excited, let’s go for it.

“I like the way his team play football and all the things I hear about him as a guy. Some people I know, know him, I don’t know him yet.  Good coach, good guy.

“If he’s the solution for the club then I am more than happy. It’s not up to me to judge but it all sounds really good to me.”

Asked what Slot would be inheriting at Anfield, Klopp added: “Best job in the world, best club in the world.

“Also it looks like I help with not leaving on a high so space for improvement, let me say it like that. Great job, great team, fantastic people. A really interesting job.”

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Slot wants Liverpool job, 'confident' agreement will come

Wednesday’s defeat to Everton effectively ended Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title, but Klopp is keen to ensure his final season doesn’t just fizzle out.

Cody Gakpo will return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to West Ham United after missing the Merseyside derby to attend the birth of his son.

“Little Samuel is born. According to Cody, everything is fine. Mum well, boy well, father well and back in training yesterday,” Klopp said.

“I can’t remember ever being as disappointed and frustrated as I was after the Everton game. I blame myself 100 per cent because we were not in the mood. We lost pretty much all the decisive battles.

“I am pretty sure Arsenal and Man City now see it as a two-horse race now. But I am not in the mood to raise the white flag.

“The boys are incredible footballers and I have the job to create a situation where they can be the best version of themselves and that is where I have failed. I didn’t see any version of that in the Everton game.”

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

'He makes players believe in him' - Dirk Kuyt and what he learnt from Arne Slot

(Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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James Pearce

James Pearce joins the Athletic after 14 years working for the Liverpool Echo. The dad-of-two has spent the past decade covering the fortunes of Liverpool FC across the globe to give fans the inside track on the Reds from the dressing room to the boardroom. Follow James on Twitter @JamesPearceLFC