"He’s Erik ten Hag in disguise” - Pundit delivers brutal assessment of next Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Pundit Richard Keys does not see Arne Slot succeeding at Liverpool next season. The former Sky Sports presenter feels underwhelmed by the Dutch manager's reported appointment and aimed a dig at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag in the process.
The Red Devils appointed Ten Hag in the summer of 2022. After a great debut season at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup and securing a third-place finish in the Premier League, they have seen a decline under the Dutchman this campaign.
United are 13 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and Champions League football seems out of the picture. Keys has predicted a similar fate for Slot's career at Liverpool ahead of his reported appointment.
He said (via TEAMtalk):
“I’m trying to put myself in the shoes of Liverpool fans. Am I excited? No. Am I surprised? Yes. I’m underwhelmed if I’m honest, seriously. I couldn’t give you the name of a Dutch manager who has succeeded in our league yet."
Keys added:
“There have been one or two, like [Guus] Hiddink or [Louis] van Gaal and Ruud Gullit, who have had limited success, but nobody over a period of time has had sustained success. I think he’s Erik ten Hag in disguise.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed on Saturday (27 April) that Slot is set to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer, with the contract details agreed.
“I think he’s a fantastic manager" - Former Chelsea star offers glowing assessment of Liverpool's Arne Slot appointment
While Keys is unimpressed by Liverpool's reported appointment of Slot, former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel believes the Dutch boss is the right man to take the Reds forward.
The retired midfielder emphasized Slot's attacking style of play and how it would suit the Merseysiders while highlighting his achievements at Feyenoord.
Slot lifted the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord during the 2022-23 campaign, securing their first league trophy since 2017 and winning the league with a seven-point lead over second-placed PSV. He also won the Dutch Cup with Feyenoord this season.
Offering his thoughts on Slot's arrival at Anfield, Obi Mikel said:
“I think he’s a fantastic manager. I think he’s done really well at Feyenoord, he’s got his team playing really well. It’s the sort of football that the Liverpool fans like – front-foot, attacking, scoring goals.”
The Reds are currently third in the Premier League table after 22 wins, nine draws, and four losses this season. They will next face Tottenham Hotspur on 5 May.