Jurgen Klopp had a very similar opinion about Steven Gerrard when Arne Slot changed his mind

Arne Slot has done things his way at Liverpool, but the Dutchman took a page out of Jurgen Klopp’s book when asked about Steven Gerrard

Arne Slot sitting in an armchair in his Liverpool manager's clothes

Arne Slot is enjoying a strong start to life as Liverpool manager(Image: Sky Sports Premier League/YouTube)

Arne Slot gave a similar answer to Jurgen Klopp when asked which player he would like to have managed at Liverpool. The 46-year-old has entered life seamlessly at Anfield, with nine wins from his first 10 matches in all competitions.

While success on the pitch is the best way to win favor with the Liverpool faithful, Slot has managed to pass another tough test. Recently, he was asked to choose a player – past or present – to train at the club.

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In giving his answer, he made a similar U-turn to Klopp, who was also asked this question during his time as manager. The former Feyenoord manager said Steven Gerrard was the player he most wanted to coach.

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Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Slot said: “If you had asked me this a year ago, I would probably have said (Andres) Iniesta. But I think now I will opt for Steven Gerrard, being the Liverpool manager.

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“The reason he deserves to be in my team is that the others, like Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane, played with incredible teammates and of course Steven Gerrard played with really good teammates.

“But I don’t think he has played with players at the same level as Iniesta or Zidane. And still being so special for the club, winning, lifting the trophy once, playing for so long for this club.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 10, 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Klopp also chose Gerrard as the player he would like to have managed at Liverpool(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

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Slot’s candid response was similar to the one Klopp offered when he was asked a similar question. In an interview with This is Anfield in 2021, Klopp said: “Stevie and I together in the roles.

“Him as a man on the field and me as a coach would have been cool. So it’s Stevie. Six years ago it would have been a different answer, but now I’m here and I know him as a person and as a player so that’s an easy answer now.”

Although Slot appeared to acknowledge his preference for Gerrard due to the former England star’s legendary status at Anfield, Klopp hinted at his desire to collaborate with the former Liverpool captain after forming a personal bond.

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Considering Slot’s early life at Anfield, Gerrard may wish he had played under the Dutchman too. They currently top their Premier League group with a near-perfect winning record and are well placed to secure a top eight finish in the new Champions League group format.

Slot’s European debut as Reds coach was marked by a triumphant 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro, followed by a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Bologna.

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His most challenging period is on the horizon as Slot’s side host an in-form Chelsea side in the Premier League this Sunday before taking his team to Germany to face RB Leipzig. Liverpool then head to rivals Arsenal the following weekend.