Arne Slot has revealed the first Liverpool player he spoke to since being confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.
On Wednesday afternoon, Slot’s first official Liverpool interview was released.
During his chat with the club, the Dutchman spoke about his work since taking charge, succeeding Klopp and what he and his coaching staff can bring to the club.
The 45-year-old former Feyenoord boss also expressed his wish to create a special connection with the Liverpool fanbase as he looks to continue the fine work Klopp has done in recent years.
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During the interview, Slot revealed that captain Virgil van Dijk was the first player he spoke to.
He said: “I've reached out to a few of them – all of them after Jurgen left because I thought that was really important to be fair to Jürgen and be fair to the players. Because they had to end the season and I don't think I would be really happy if my successor would have called players before I left the club.
“Then I think it's normal to start with the captain, which is Virgil [van Dijk], which is an easy one for me because we could speak Dutch!”
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Slot added: “And from there on I called a few others, but not many of them because most of them are in preparation, or at this moment playing, at the Euros, and some others are in preparation at the Copa America. So I think the best way is to keep a certain distance but also be interested in them as well.
“And hoping that most of them – especially the Dutch! – will still be as long as possible away so they will reach the final. Then afterwards I will get to meet them and I think that's a better way of getting to know each other than by phone or Zoom meetings.”
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Topics: Arne Slot, Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk, Football
Marcus Chan