📣 Slot on Klopp, Guardiola and more at first Liverpool press conference | OneFootball

Arne Slot spoke to the media on Friday for the first time as Liverpool manager, with new sporting director Richard Hughes alongside him.

The pair covered a range of topics, such as filling Jürgen Klopp’s shoes, taking on Pep Guardiola, transfers and more.

Here is the best of what they had to say.

Slot on Klopp’s legacy and replacing the German

“I think it’s not about what I tell you now. What made Jürgen special was the impression he left behind. He said he was the normal one but the fans see him differently. What he did for the club was more than normal.

“Big shoes to fill but you inherit a squad with a winning culture. One of the reasons to come here is I feel we have a really good team. You want to work at a club with good players and an opportunity to win something. The past shows Liverpool can win trophies. There is an opportunity to win something. I like to win and at this club there is an opportunity to win.

“We’ve spoken about many things, but they stay between us. Him singing for me was special. I was fortunate at Feyenoord that they sung for me. Fans already singing for me is a good start.”

Slot on Liverpool’s title rivals and challenging Pep Guardiola

“It’s important for us to improve. You can expect other teams to become better. That’s the aim we have.

“Something to look forward to but there are many good managers in this league. Pep is one of them for sure. I’ve seen a lot of that rivalry and a lot of the games. I’m looking forward to work here, but not specifically against Man City. At the moment Ipswich is the next one and most important one.”

Hughes on transfers and contracts

“It’s been to great work with Arne. We both had jobs to finish. Since then, we’ve been in communication daily. Preparing for the transfer window. We’ll know more as we go. The squad we’ve inherited is very talented but we need to improve. We will be opportunistic if we can.

“Contract situations, these are private matters between club and players. Total commitment from the players to the cause for next season. We’re convinced that’s the case.

“Naturally when there are major international tournaments, the attention is there. After the flurry in June, it will calm down a little now. When August starts, we’ve had more times to work with players, opinions will be more set. You may see a situation in August, there is a hurry to get things done.”

Slot on settling into Liverpool life

“It will take some time to understand everything. I will use my time to make the team in the best possible way for the first game. It helps if you get to know the city, but it helps if you win most of your games. One of the reasons they came to me is our playing style is not so different. We want fans to come to the stadium and see a team with a lot of energy. That is what I am focused on most.”

Slot on young players and getting to know first-team

“I like to see good players. If they are old or young, it doesn’t matter that much. It’s always good for a team when young players come through. It brings energy to a club. In the end, it’s all about the quality. They did really well. If they continue doing so, there will be a chance they will play as well.

“Getting to know the people here, getting to know the players. I’ve seen a lot of games and training sessions, but you know them better if you are with them. Implement playing style but a lot of things did really well. We do need to find things to improve. Starting to work with them will give us an even better insight.

“I think in general, every top player wants to win. I assume Virgil wants to win the Euros! He will come back and all these players want to win. They all have this hunger to win. I’m hoping Gakpo will step up even more! Hopefully see Netherlands play England in the semi-finals. Cody is having a very good tournament.

“As a manager, you go to bed and think about what you’re going to do. What you’re going to say to the players. We think about the tactics board, meeting players. For me it is not about being Jürgen’s successor. It is how I approach the players and get the best out of them.”

Slot on his ‘head coach’ role

“For me it’s not a change because we work like this in Europe. It’s a collaboration. It’s not just us, there are more people. It’s how I like to work.”

Hughes on choosing Slot

“The playing style that attracted us. On all the metrics, Arne’s Feyenoord team came out really well. Attributes we would welcome here at Liverpool. It depends on the players you have. This style of playing that Arne has been successful with is the most attractive to watch in my opinion. There is a duty here to play that kind of football.”

Slot on Anfield

“I’ve been there, twice. Once as a fan and once when they showed me. One of the reasons to join Feyenoord, it’s nice if you have the fans that appreciate the style. They are special in Holland. This is what I have been told about Liverpool as well. If you watch a lot of football as well, you see what it means to the fans. It’s win/win.”

Slot on his preferred formation

“I was hoping if people looked at my team, it wasn’t 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. It’s a lot of freedom to take different positions. A lot of freedom when we have the ball. When we don’t have the ball, we want to be really aggressive. I wouldn’t say I prefer 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. If you asked me, I’d have said we played 4-3-3. Full-backs have different roles.”

Slot on his backroom staff

“We’re expecting two others to join. A couple more announcements in the near future.”

Hughes on talks with FSG

“Very much looking forward to working with Michael [Edwards]. The best British sporting director to date. Conversations again, daily. Looking forward to it.”

Slot on first conversations with Liverpool

“I have worked at a really special club at Feyenoord. When Liverpool comes along, it is one of the clubs I leave Feyenoord for. Richard wanted Liverpool to bring me in. Since then, I’ve noticed how professional this club. To get to know the reasons why they want you. We were lucky to win a few things. To convince me, they have to like my playing style. He really knew a lot. This is something you want to hear. It has to be more than trophies.”

Slot on improving the squad

“No, not in specific numbers. We’ve inherited a good team. With the way I look at football, I can see how important it is to work on a daily basis. Not all players have the same level they have at their clubs. There is already a really good team. Few good signings last year. Normally you see things will improve.”