Klopp conducts Slot vetting process as coach makes secret Liverpool visit

04 May 2024 , 19:30

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Arne Slot will replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has gained valuable insight into his successor after chatting with Arne Slot ’s first boss in management.

Kop boss Klopp met Henk De Jong last week after the 59-year-old coach, in charge at Dutch second division side Cambuur, was invited for a tour of Liverpool ’s facilities. De Jong appointed Slot as his assistant at Cambuur ten years ago during an earlier spell in charge at the club before Slot took full control in 2016.

And after watching Liverpool’s U21 side lose 2-0 to Arsenal, De Jong chatted with Klopp and his coaching staff - and gave the departing Anfield boss the lowdown on Slot.

“It was fantastic. A really special visit. Officially they had a couple of days off, but everyone just turned up” said De Jong. “I saw Pep Lijnders too. The U21 coach, everyone. I watched the game against Arsenal and spoke to Jurrien Timber who played brilliantly in that game.

“They liked the fact that Arne Slot was my assistant at the start of his career. Sipke Hulshoff was also on my staff and he is coming with Arne as well. I told them all about it. Everyone at Liverpool is hoping that Arne is going to do really well. Pep Lijnders is not staying, but I sensed everyone at Liverpool is hoping Pep will come back to the club one day.

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Arne Slot will take over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer (Icon Sport via Getty Images)

“They all spoke very highly about him and I really think he has built a big reputation for himself. Jurgen is really warm and kind. He said to me: 'I’ve heard you are the only football manager in the world who is funnier than me! How come we have never met before?' “

De Jong finished his trip with a visit to Erik ten Hag saying: “I made a little ‘switch’ to Manchester United and went to have dinner with Erik and enjoyed a fantastic football evening with him.”

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Steve Bates