There’s one reason why Michael Edwards prefers Arne Slot as Liverpool’s next manager over Ruben Amorim.
For weeks on end, it seemed like Liverpool were going to go all out for Ruben Amorim. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager looked almost certain to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool.
However, things have changed quite rapidly in the last 48 hours. As Amorim flew to West Ham United to hold meetings, Liverpool have made advances with another manager.
Arne Slot is now looking like Michael Edwards’ preferred choice for the Liverpool job, and it’s a move that could make even more sense for the Reds than Amorim.
The obvious reason why Liverpool favour Arne Slot over Ruben Amorim
Slot’s affable and charming personality makes him the kind of character you want to replace Jurgen Klopp with.
His playing style is also very similar to the German manager. Those things combined mean things won’t change too much around Anfield.
But that is not the main reason why Liverpool have favoured Slot over Amorim. If anything, it will be due to his record in European competitions.
Amorim’s Sporting CP have struggled in Europe. His best finish in a European competition was a quarter-final finish.
Meanwhile, Slot guided Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final in his first season at the club. He lost only to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in the final.
Last season, he also took Feyenoord, a much weaker squad than Sporting CP, to the quarter finals of the Europa League, and again lost to Mourinho’s AS Roma.
This season, Feyenoord recorded some strong results in the Champions League group-stages, before again being knocked out by AS Roma in the Europa League knock-out stages.
The fact that Slot does have that track record though of taking Feyenoord to a final, and overachieving in Europe would explain why he is favoured over Amorim. At this stage in his career, Amorim hasn’t quite done anything like that.
What’s the latest on Arne Slot?
It seems like things are moving rapidly with Arne Slot. Liverpool seem to be making quick advances and are now in the negotiation stage of the process.
It would not be a surprise to see this being wrapped up quite quickly. Given how all of the reliable reporters have now reported on him being the favourite candidate, it looks like it’s only a matter of time until he is appointed.