When Arne Slot arrives at Liverpool’s training center this summer, he will be pleased to find a padel court waiting for him. Slot, like many other top individuals in football, is a fan of padel, a fast-paced racket sport similar to tennis and squash. At Feyenoord’s training base in Rotterdam, chief executive Dennis Te Kloese promised to install a padel court if the team won the league title. Slot delivered the Eredivisie championship last season, and soon after, the padel court was set up.
This shared interest in padel is one connection between Slot and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Klopp has his own padel court at Liverpool’s training center and enjoys playing against members of his backroom staff, calling padel “the best game I’ve ever played” aside from football.
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After Liverpool and Feyenoord finalized terms for Slot to replace Klopp this summer, many Liverpool fans were uncertain about the choice and how well-suited the 45-year-old Dutchman is to fill Klopp’s shoes. Slot is known for leading Feyenoord to their first title this century and achieving success in European competitions.
He maintained Feyenoord’s success despite significant player turnover and financial constraints. Feyenoord’s recent performance showcases consistent development and excellence under Slot’s management.
Slot kisses the Eredivisie champions’ trophy (Olaf Kraak/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Some may question Liverpool’s decision to appoint a coach with limited experience, especially in elite European football. Slot’s adaptability to the demands of a competitive league like the Premier League remains to be seen, along with his ability to manage higher-profile players and navigate a different scale of operations.
Slot’s approach at Feyenoord, including player development and financial sustainability, will be tested at Liverpool. His coaching philosophy and style of play, influenced by Pep Guardiola, will be essential in shaping Liverpool’s future direction.
Slot is popular with his players (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The transition to Liverpool will require Slot to adapt and evolve as he navigates the challenges of a bigger club and a more competitive league. His ability to build a high-performance environment, trust his players and embrace modern football tactics are key to his success at Anfield.
Slot’s experience at Feyenoord offers insights into his coaching philosophy and management style, setting the stage for his tenure at Liverpool. With the support of the club’s infrastructure and his coaching staff, Slot aims to make a seamless transition and continue Liverpool’s legacy of success.