Slot is set to begin pre-season with Liverpool after settling in to life at the club over the past few weeks.
After nine years of Jurgen Klopp, it’s going to be fascinating to hear how the new head coach is feeling ahead of his player’s impending return to the AXA Training Centre.
It remains to be seen what the present journalists have on the agenda for Slot, but there’s likely to be some questions on transfers, his vision for pre-season and individual members of the Liverpool squad.
There’s also the possibility of the Dutchman being asked about his top rival coaches in the Premier League. Before Slot gives his thoughts though, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has beaten him to the punch.
Mikel Arteta shares thoughts on Arne Slot appointment
Like every other manager in the Premier League right now, Arteta has never faced Liverpool with any other manager than Klopp being at the helm.
With pretty much all of those coaches having a negative record against Jurgen, they may be licking their lips at the prospect of heading to Anfield without the big German being on the touchline.
For Arteta, a change in head coach for the Reds is likely to mean a new title rival next season.
As a result, it’s likely that the meticulous Spaniard will have already been analysing Slot to see what he can expect from Liverpool in 2024/25.
However, when he was asked by ESPN to give his thoughts on what might change for the Reds next season, Arteta was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I don’t know. That’s a question for him and the people that have decided to come here,” he said before hailing Slot as an ‘exceptional’ coach. “Welcome to the Premier League. I think he is an exceptional coach.”
Arteta did also admit to feeling some sadness over Klopp’s exit.
“Obviously it is a bit sad to see Jurgen leave because what he has brought to the league, I think, is something unprecedented with his charisma, his way of playing and the moments he has created in this league,” said the 42-year-old.
How are Arsenal shaping up for the new season?
Taking our eyes of Liverpool for a second, it’s worth taking a moment to assess how Arsenal are looking so far ahead of the new season.
The Gunners were unfortunate to lose out to Man City in the title race last year, finishing as runners-up for the second straight feeling.
Although they look well placed to have a good go at City for their year running, it isn’t a given that they’ll be able to bounce back again. After just one trophy in almost five seasons in charge, the pressure is on Arteta a little.
So far they’ve been quiet in the transfer market, just like Liverpool. However, after the Reds played down suggestions that they’re trying to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal now look poised to get him instead.
That looks like a good addition to a squad that is already brimming with quality. It will fascinating to see how Slot deals with now possibly being the underdog in this rivalry.
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