PREMIER LEAGUE
What teams has Arne Slot coached? Has Liverpool’s new coach won any championships or league titles?
Sunday 19 May 2024, the day that Jürgen Klopp bids farewell to Liverpool, and fans already know the name of his Anfield successor, but maybe not much more.
The king is dead. Long live the king. The famous phrase about succession may date back to the early 15th century when King Charles VI died and his son Charles VII (what were the chances?) ascended to the throne in France, but it resonates just as much today, and often far away from the upper echelons of the monarchy.
That said, when fans and staff of Premier League club Liverpool FC said goodbye to their manager Jürgen Klopp, most felt as if a true leader, more than just a performative head of state, had died. In just a sporting sense, of course.
And as the managerial King of the Kop and the fans continue to wipe away their tears from the final game of the season under his reign, Anfield is already preparing the dugout for the new man. His name is Arne Slot.
What has Arne Slot won as a manager?
Slot’s official appointment by The Reds makes a lot of sense in many ways. He emerged as a standout figure in Dutch football, transitioning from player – with relatively modest success – to an influential coach with clear similarities to the man he is replacing in England.
His journey began at PEC Zwolle, where his leadership qualities were evident even in his playing days before hanging up his boots in 2013 and sliding seamlessly into coaching, starting with youth roles before becoming an assistant coach at Cambuur.
Turning Cambuur around
At Cambuur, Slot faced the challenge of a relegation to the Eerste Divisie in 2016. However, his appointment as interim head coach alongside Sipke Hulshoff marked a turning point. Together, they steered Cambuur to a remarkable third-place finish and a historic semi-final run in the KNVB Cup, including a victory over Ajax. For anyone who followed Klopp’s career at Mainz, Dortmund and even Liverpool, there are obvious connections.
Alkmaar outperforming
Slot’s coaching prowess caught the attention of AZ Alkmaar, where he joined as an assistant in 2017. His innovative and ambitious approach led to a promotion to head coach in the 2019-20 season. Under his leadership, AZ achieved significant milestones, including an impressive second-place finish in the Eredivisie and notable victories in European competitions. Despite his success, Slot was controversially sacked in December 2020 after negotiating a move to Feyenoord. He saw bigger challenges ahead.
Hitting the heights at Feyenoord
Feyenoord announced Slot as their new head coach in that final month of the year, to be effective from the 2021-22 season. Slot’s impact was immediate. He revitalised the team, leading them to the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League final and a third-place finish in the Eredivisie, 12 points off top spot. In the previous season Feyenoord had been fifth, 29 points adrift of champions Ajax.
His efforts earned him the prestigious Rinus Michels Award for Eredivisie Manager of the Year.
The following season saw further triumphs. Slot guided Feyenoord to a dominant league title, their first since 2017, and another deep run in European competitions. His strategic acumen was on display as Feyenoord recorded their biggest European victory since 1995. Despite persistent rumours linking him to Tottenham Hotspur, Slot reaffirmed his commitment to Feyenoord, extending his contract until 2026.
In the 2023-24 season, Slot continued to break records and enhance Feyenoord’s reputation. The team won the KNVB Cup and competed valiantly in European tournaments. Pundits have hailed Slot as one of Feyenoord’s greatest coaches, lauding his ability to blend attractive, attacking football with player development and consistent results. Sound familiar, Liverpool fans?
Here’s a quick summary of Slot’s senior managerial achievements courtesy of our friends at Sofascore.
As a new chapter opens in Arne Slot’s coaching career, there is no doubt that he is stepping into massive shoes vacated by Jürgen Klopp. But the Anfield history books can show that when the legendary Bill Shankly decided to call it a day in the dugout – after building Liverpool into “a bastion of invincibility” – a certain Bob Paisley slotted in perfectly.