"Going to be difficult for him to step into Klopp's shoes" - Peter Crouch on Arne Slot potentially taking over as Liverpool manager in the summer
Former Liverpool forward Peter Crouch has reacted to reports suggesting that Arne Slot will replace Jurgen Klopp as the Reds' gaffer next season. He said that it'll be "difficult for him to step into Klopp's shoes".
According to Sky Sports, the Reds have reached an agreement with Feyenoord's manager and the compensation package is worth £7.7 million, plus £1.7 million in add-ons. Several other managers were previously linked to the former UEFA Champions League winners, including Bayer Leverkusen gaffer Xabi Alonso and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp, meanwhile, joined the Anfield side in 2015 and spent nine glorious years at the club. He helped the Reds win the Premier League title and their sixth UEFA Champions League (UCL) title. While claiming that Slot will have some big shoes to fill, Crouch pointed out that he has a similar style of play to that of Jurgen Klopp. He said (via TNT Sports):
"It’s going to be difficult for him to step into Klopp’s shoes, I don’t envy him. The selection process probably centred on his style of play and character. Interestingly, a lot of the murmurings are similar to when Klopp came. He plays attacking, heavy metal football. He’s a big character, and develops players. Very similar."
He added that a manager who plays a similar way will help Liverpool transcend to the next level compared to a manager who tries to change the club's philosophy.
Notably, Klopp's men drew level with West Ham United away on the afternoon of April 27 and can see the Premier League title slipping from their grasp.
Liverpool are winless in their last three Premier League games
The Premier League title, which was once a three-horse race between Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, is now slipping away from the grasp of the Reds.
Klopp's side have just one win in their last five league games. To make matters worse, they've also been eliminated from the Europa League following a 1-3 aggregate loss to Atalanta in the quarter-finals.
The Reds have already won the Carabao Cup earlier in February. they were hoping to add the Premier League title to their name and give a proper send-off to Jurgen Klopp. However, the Reds have 75 points after having played 35 games. Arsenal occupy the first spot with 77 points after 34 games, while City have 76 points after 33 games.
Each team now have just a few games left under their belt this season. Hence, the Anfield club would be hoping that both the Gunners and the Cityzens drop points to come close to winning the PL this season.
Liverpool return to Premier League action on May 5, Sunday when they take on Tottenham at Anfield.