As most Liverpool fans have learned in the past 24 hours, Arne Slot isn't short of admirers.
The Feyenoord boss has quickly emerged as the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with reports on Thursday claiming that Liverpool have already begun negotiations with him. Slot, 45, is about to finish his third full season with the Rotterdam club and lifted the KNVB Cup on Sunday after a 1-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen.
Although reigning champions Feyenoord aren't expected to retain the Eredivisie title this year - as they trail PSV Eindhoven by nine points with only four games to go - Slot's reputation is a distinguished one. Almost Dutch champions with AZ Alkmaar before the 2019-20 season was declared null and void, runner-up in the Conference League with Feyenoord in 2022, and finally winner of the Eredivisie last season, there's a reason why a certain Robin van Persie wanted to learn from him.
Rewind two years ago and the now retired former Manchester United striker was being tipped for a return to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils having just appointed Erik ten Hag after his tremendous spell with Ajax. Ten Hag offered him the chance to part of his coaching staff but Van Persie made it clear that he'd prefer to stay in the Netherlands.
That's because while managing boyhood club Feyenoord's under-18 and under-19 sides, Van Persie is also involved in Slot's first-team training sessions and gets a first-hand look at a 'disciple' of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Van Persie shares the same principles, so opted to remain among his Rotterdam roots.
"I want my team to be really attacking because then you have the best chance of winning," the ex-United hero affirmed last year, a nod to Guardiola's philosophy of constantly being on the front foot.
But that doesn't mean to say that Van Persie doesn't respect Ten Hag - far from it in fact. The 40-year-old has made multiple visits to the Red Devils' Carrington training complex since his compatriot took charge, with the pair being spotted spending time together away from the pitch around Greater Manchester, too.
"Great to be back at Carrington!" Van Persie, who'll receive his UEFA Pro License this summer, wrote on X/Twitter. "Appreciation to Erik and the entire staff for hosting us."
Your turn! Is Arne Slot a good choice for Liverpool? Let us know your verdict in the comments section
Many viewed Van Persie as the natural successor to Slot before it emerged earlier this month that he's set for his first senior managerial role. According to Dutch outlet AD, Van Persie has held in-depth talks with with Eredivisie side Heerenveen and both parties hope to reach an agreement soon.
His move could be a hint that Slot's departure is imminent, with Liverpool making him their No.1 candidate three months after Klopp announced his exit. The Reds had looked at bringing former player Xabi Alonso back to Anfield following his outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, but the Spaniard's decision to stay with the newly-crowned German champions switched their focus.
Slot is open to the switch but although he doesn't have a release clause, Feyenoord would demand a €10million (£8.6m) compensation package. He's impressed Liverpool chiefs with his track record of improving young players, success on a relatively modest budget and his style of play baring resembles to Klopp's.
Liverpool's search is being led by Michael Edwards, the Reds' former sporting director who left Merseyside in 2022 but recently became owners Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football. Incoming sporting director Richard Hughes is significantly involved, too.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.