Arne Slot was named Liverpool’s new head coach in May before starting work in June to replace Jurgen Klopp and former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has offered his verdict
Louis van Gaal believes Liverpool have made a ‘very good choice’ in appointing Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
The Reds were forced into the managerial marketplace in the middle of the season when the German coach announced his decision to leave Anfield. Klopp’s departure has seen Liverpool swap bosses for the first time since 2015, with the former Borussia Dortmund boss leaving an uneviable task to take on given the reputation he developed at the club.
Klopp was handed a fond farewell and former Feyenood Slot was quickly confirmed as his replacement. The exiting Klopp even sang the Dutch coach’s name.
Former Barcelona and Manchester United boss Van Gaal believes Slot is one of the most promising coaches from his homeland however. The Dutchman believes his countryman faces a difficult task.
“Yes, it’s a big job because Jurgen Klopp has done it fantastically,” he told Sky Sports. “So he (Slot) is the successor and it’s always more difficult But he is a good technical coach. I think at the moment he’s the best technical coach from the Netherlands. He was at that time free so I think Liverpool have made a very good choice.”
Van Gaal also gave his verdict on another Dutch coach. The 72-year-old believes Erik ten Hag should not be sacked by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
The ex-Netherlands boss did acknowledge that he was relieved of his duties prematurely by United however. Van Gaal lost his job after FA Cup success in 2016 but finished fifth.
“Of course (he shouldn’t be sacked),” Van Gaal said. “But I needed also more time at Manchester United. I also won the FA Cup and before me for 20 years (no United manager) has got the FA Cup.
“Now Erik is winning the FA Cup and also first year qualifying for the Champions League so I don’t think you have to sack him. He needs more time but I can also be more critical. He has not done it fantastically – you can give criticism – but he has also shown he is a good manager.”
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