Arne Slot confirms Liverpool move in first message as new head coach

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the club’s recruitment plans are already well underway.

The 45-year-old was officially confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor in May and started work at Anfield in early June after signing a three-year contract.

Klopp shocked the footballing world in January by announcing he would leave the Reds a year before his contract expired and eventually won another Carabao Cup trophy before his exit.

Despite being linked with a number of other managers, including former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso, Slot has been publicly backed by Klopp after declaring his interest in the job.

The Dutchman will take charge of a side that finished third in the Premier League last season and underwent something of a rebuild during Klopp’s final summer in charge.

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Roberto Firmino have all left, while the club have brought in the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai to regenerate their midfield options.

That, combined with the emergence of young players like Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah and Jayden Danns, has given the team a new feel.

There have also been big changes behind the scenes. Michael Edwards has returned to the club to oversee football operations and will be joined by former Bournemouth sporting director Richard Hughes.

Speaking for the first time as head coach, Slot revealed that discussions with Hughes in particular have taken place as the club look to plan for the season ahead.

Asked about being a ‘head coach’ rather than a traditional ‘manager’, Slot said: “For me it’s normal because that’s how it is in Europe and in the Netherlands.

“I don’t think there’s much change between a head coach and a manager, it’s just that being a head coach I can fully devote myself to the things I would like to do.

“So it’s about working with the team, preparing the team in the best possible way, and Richard and I will work together when it comes to transfers, but not just the two of us – there’s a big backroom staff included in that as well.

“I think it’s the way I’ve always worked and it’s the ideal way for me to work because I can make the most of my time working with the team and the time that’s left will probably be a bit spent with family and a bit of time talking to Richard about how we can strengthen the team. But we’ve got a very strong team already.”