Socceroos coach backs Slot for Liverpool success
Liverpool will not see many differences between Jurgen Klopp and incoming manager Arne Slot, although the Dutchman must learn to cope with the added pressure at Anfield, according to Australia's assistant coach Rene Meulensteen.
The Socceroos No.2 expects fellow countryman Slot to succeed on Merseyside, despite having big shoes to fill after Klopp's departure.
Slot leaves the Netherlands after three highly successful seasons with Feyenoord, during which he led them to the Eredivisie title in 2023 and was named manager of the year on two occasions.
That record has Meulensteen expecting further success for the former Feyenoord boss.
"There was a lot of speculation about different names being touted with [Xabi] Alonso and Rubin Amorim, but then when Arne Slot's name came up, I didn't necessarily think that it was a bad choice and a bad decision," Meulensteen said.
"I like him. I rate him as a coach and as a person. I think he's got a likeability about him, he's a good communicator, he plays a brand of football that is very much in line with what Klopp has done over the last few years.
"You won't see many differences there, he might tweak one or two things, but it will still be high press, high energy, dynamic football.
"In my opinion, I think it's always the proof is in the pudding, but I think it's not a bad choice at all for Liverpool."
Liverpool managed 82 points in the 2023-2024 Premier League, finishing nine behind champion Manchester City and seven adrift of second-placed Arsenal.
The Dutchman will officially take charge from next weekend, subject to receiving a work permit, and Meulensteen believes it will be a step up for Slot.
"Liverpool are a global brand, it's a big club, it brings different expectations and winning the Premier League is the hardest thing to do," he added.
"The ambitions will be there for Liverpool. Same with the Champions League. So the difference between that step from Feyenoord to Liverpool is really in terms of the expectations, which brings a different kind of pressure.
"You need to be able to handle that, clubs like Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, you want to be successful, but at the same time play in an attractive style of football.
"It's a difficult kind of combination, and obviously he's going from the Eredivisie, the Dutch league, to the Premier League.
"That will be his biggest step up because that is where he's going to be confronted with every week.
"If he's clever, he has to bring somebody in his staff along that knows the Premier League, that understands the Premier League."
