Jurgen Klopp's successor! Why Liverpool have identified Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as their number-one managerial target

Klopp is set to step down from his post as Liverpool manager at the end of the season and the search for a new coach has now taken the Reds to Feyenoord where Slot has impressed with the Dutch side. Slot guided the team to victory in the KNVB Cup final last weekend and also won the league title in 2022-23. The Dutchman has two years left to run on his contract with Feyenoord but is said to be ready to take the next step in his coaching career, according to The Times.

Liverpool have already missed out on former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has confirmed he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen, while Ruben Amorim also appears set to remain at Sporting despite being linked with the Reds. All of which has led Slot to emerge as the new favourite, with Liverpool also said to be admirers of his "ability to improve players and his aggressive, high-octane playing style."

Feyenoord technical director Dennis te Kloese spoke about Slot's future after the KNVB Cup win. He told ESPN: "I think it is logical that he is in such a good position. It is very special how he has manifested himself in recent years and has really given Feyenoord a face. We responded by extending his contract. In any case, we assume that he will also be our trainer next year. We have experienced this situation before and will take good care of our own interests.”

Feyenoord kept 12 clean sheets in their first 20 competitive matches of 2024, their joint-most in the first 20 games of a calendar year since 1954.

Liverpool will continue to work on finding a successor for Klopp, while the German aims to end his tenure on a high. The Reds remain in contention to win the Premier League and resume their title push on Wednesday with a Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.