Robin van Persie has spoken candidly about the “legacy” left by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot from his time at Feyenoord. Slot had a successful three-year stint as the Eredivisie club’s boss before taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Slot’s tenure at Liverpool has kicked off impressively, with the team sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, 13 points clear of Arsenal. The Reds are also gearing up for the Champions League last-16, where they’re set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming first leg on Wednesday.
Feyenoord recently named Van Persie as its new head coach, following his managerial role at fellow Dutch side Heerenveen. During Slot’s management of Feyenoord’s first team, Van Persie was involved with the club’s youth set-up.
After Slot departed Feyenoord last summer, Brian Priske stepped in as manager. However, Priske’s tenure was short-lived, lasting just over six months before he exited Rotterdam last month, paving the way for Van Persie’s appointment shortly after.
Van Persie has shed light on Slot’s influence at Feyenoord and expressed how he and the club are “proud” of the success Slot is achieving at Liverpool. “We should all be very proud that Arne has worked here at Feyenoord for three years,” Van Persie said.
“He did a really great job, absolutely raised the level, and if you see how he is doing now at Liverpool that is really something we are proud of. I am happy to continue the work with his legacy.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I won’t suffer from it. On the contrary, I see it as a plus because a number of players who worked under Arne know the patterns I like to see.”
Things have not gone so well for Feyenoord since Slot left. It is only fourth in the Eredivisie standings this season, 13 points behind the league leader, Ajax, but is gearing up for a Champions League last-16 tie against Inter Milan having knocked out AC Milan in the play-off round last month.
Liverpool.com says: Slot is doing an exceptional job at Anfield considering the circumstances. He came in to replace a legend in Klopp but has done so seamlessly. Liverpool looks well set up for the future under the Dutchman, who appears to be the ideal personality to hold such a role.
