Slot embracing challenge of filling Klopp's big shoes

Following a legendary Anfield figure like Jurgen Klopp is a challenge to embrace rather than shy away from, said Arne Slot in his first news conference as Liverpool manager.

Dutchman Slot has signed a three-year deal and succeeds Klopp, who stood down after eight-and-a-half largely successful seasons.

The 45-year-old only has to look at Manchester United to understand how much of a struggle it can be replacing an iconic manager.

However, the former Feyenoord chief has no trepidation about the task that lies ahead.

“You can look at it both ways," he said. "They are big shoes to fill but you are also inheriting a squad and a team which has a winning culture.

“As a manager you want to work at a club with good players and an opportunity to win something. The past has shown there is a possibility to win some trophies. I look at it as ideal.”

Slot feels planning conversations with players are a normal part of the job and unrelated to the legacy Klopp has left behind.

“As a manager, you go to bed at night and think about what you are going to do and what you will tell the players,” he said. “That is not just the first day, it is the whole period.

“People look at us and think we only think about the tactics board but you have to think about the way you talk to the players. It is not about convincing them, it is part of the job to think about the best way to get the best out of them; whether to approach them as an individual or as a team.

“I don’t have Jurgen Klopp in mind, thinking ‘what would he say’. No. I have to get to know the players to get the maximum out of them.”

Slot has spoken to Klopp, although he is not willing to divulge the advice imparted by the German.

However, he is thankful Klopp sang a song in his honour at the end of his final game at Anfield.

“That was special,” he said. “There are not many managers the fans sing for. They did for me after a few years at Feyenoord but without having worked here, the fans singing is a good start.”

Transfer 'crescendo' expected in August

Slot was flanked at his first media conference by Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes.

So far, it has been a quiet summer recruitment wise at Anfield, although they were offered the chance to sign Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who is at the Euros with England, before the 30 June deadline for clubs to get their accounts in order for their Profit and Sustainability submissions.

With uncertainty remaining around star forward Mo Salah, who is about to enter the final year of his contract, there are significant issues to address.

Slot is comfortable working with Hughes and the returning Michael Edwards, who is chief executive of football, saying it is unusual for clubs not to operate with the European model and he cannot imagine the club doing business without consulting him first.

And, with so many players on international duty, and a three-match tour of the United States to come before the end of the month, Hughes feels it will be well into August before the market starts to heat up.

“When there are major competitions – and we have Copa America, the Euros and then the Olympics – during the summer, the attention will be on them,” he said.

“After the flurry in June, my prediction is that it will calm down a bit in July, and then when August starts and coaches have had more time to work with players and opinions will be more set, you may see a situation where there is a bit of a hurry to get things done and make sure everyone’s squad is in order.

“Who knows what will transpire economically, it is hard to say and that was probably the reason for what happened June. But now I would say a quiet July and a crescendo in August awaits us all.”