Arne Slot has been doing things his own way at Liverpool, but the Dutchman took a page out of Jurgen Klopp’s book when asked about Steven Gerrard
Arne Slot offered a similar response to Jurgen Klopp when asked which player he wishes he could have managed at Liverpool. The 46-year-old has slipped seamlessly into life at Anfield, with nine victories in his first 10 matches across all competitions.
While success on the field is the best way to endear yourself to the Liverpool faithful, Slot managed to pass another acid test. He was recently asked to choose a player – past or present – to manage at the club.
When he offered his response, he performed a similar U-Turn to Klopp, who was also posed this question during his time as manager. The ex-Feyenoord boss said Steven Gerrard was the player he wanted to coach most.
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Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Slot said: “If you had asked me this a year ago, I would have probably said (Andres) Iniesta. But I think now I am going to go for Steven Gerrard, being the Liverpool manager.
“Why he might deserve to be in my team is that the other ones, like Iniesta and like Zinedine Zidane, they played with incredible team-mates, and, of course, Steven Gerrard played with really good team-mates.
“But I don’t think he played with the same level of players that Iniesta or Zidane played with. And then still being so special for the club, winning, lifting the trophy once, playing for so long for this club.”
Slot’s candid answer was similar to the one Klopp offered when he was asked a similar question. In an interview with This is Anfield in 2021, Klopp said: “Stevie and me together in the roles.
“He as the man on the pitch and me as a coach that would have been nice. So it’s Stevie. Six years ago it would have been a different answer but now I’m here and I know him as a person and as a player so that’s now an easy answer.”
While Slot seemed to acknowledge his preference for Gerrard due to the ex-England star’s legendary status at Anfield, Klopp hinted at his desire to collaborate with the former Liverpool skipper after forming a personal bond.
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Considering Slot’s start to life at Anfield, Gerrard may wish he was able to have played under the Dutchman as well. They’re currently leading the Premier League pack with an almost perfect win record and are well-positioned to secure a top-eight finish in the new Champions League group format.
Slot’s European debut as Reds manager was marked by a triumphant 3-1 win against AC Milan at the San Siro followed by a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Bologna.
His most testing spell is on the horizon, though, as Slot’s side host an in-form Chelsea side in the Premier League this Sunday before taking his side to Germany to face RB Leipzig. Liverpool then go to title rivals Arsenal the following weekend.
