"We have experienced this situation" - Feyenoord responds as Arne Slot to Liverpool rumors emerge
Dutch giants Feyenoord have issued a response to reports linking manager Arne Slot to the soon-to-be vacant position at Liverpool. The Dutch manager is being considered as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who will leave Anfield once the season ends.
Slot has emerged as one of the finest managers in Europe over the past year or so, having led the Dutch side to two major trophies in the last two seasons. He was on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur last summer before they decided to move forward with Ange Postecoglou.
Feyenoord Technical Director Dennis te Kloese spoke to ESPN regarding the situation of the manager, revealing that the club expects him to be in charge next season. He praised the manager for his success but stated that the club will take care of its interests amid Liverpool's approach.
"I think it is logical that he finds himself in such a good position," Kloese said. "It is very special how he has conducted himself in recent years and he has really given Feyenoord a face. We responded by extending his contract. In any case, we assume that he will also be our coach next year.
"We have experienced this situation before and will take good care of our own interests."
Arne Slot was in talks with Tottenham and was very close to signing a deal with the English side before both sides eventually decided against the move. He has since led his Dutch side to win the KNVB Cup this season, having won the Eredivisie last season.
Liverpool were hopeful of landing Xabi Alonso as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, but the Spaniard opted to remain in Germany. They also hoped to secure a move for Ruben Amorim, but the Portuguese manager was recently spotted in London for West Ham talks.
Liverpool dealt fresh injury blow ahead of Merseyside derby
Liverpool have received a new injury blow as they prepare to face Everton, as forward Diogo Jota has picked up a hip injury. The Portugal international is set to spend two weeks on the sidelines following his most recent injury.
Jota was in action for the Reds as they defeated Fulham 3-1, scoring once in the game as they moved level on points with Arsenal. The forward complained of discomfort in his hip, and an examination has revealed that he will spend the next two weeks on the sidelines.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Klopp told reporters when asked if Liverpool had any new injury problems. "Diogo scored the goal, felt a little bit and now we found out it’s a little bit more. So he’ll be out for two weeks. Besides that, no."
Diogo Jota has struggled with injuries this season, and only returned to action earlier this month, having been injured since February. He has played just 21 league games, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists.