Arne Slot deserves all the credit in the world for emerging as the perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and winning the Premier League title in his debut season.
Slot admitted to inheriting a great Liverpool squad but even if that is the case, the way that the Dutchman has ushered the Reds into a new era and showcased his tactical ingenuity merits the highest praise possible.
The decision-makers at Liverpool should also be lauded for identifying the right man to replace one of the greatest managers in their history. Cody Gakpo admitted Arne Slot improved him while Mohamed Salah credited the Liverpool boss for the remarkable season he has had during his time at Anfield.
But Jamie Redknapp was provided an exclusive insight into why Liverpool hired Arne Slot in the first place by Richard Hughes.
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Jamie Redknapp says Richard Hughes told him Arne Slot’s personality decided his hiring
Redknapp directly asked Richard Hughes why Slot was man that Liverpool felt was best-suited to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
Hughes told Jamie Redknapp that Liverpool believed Arne Slot had the personality to manage such a massive club and that is why they were of the belief that he would be the perfect appointment.
The retired Reds midfielder talked all things Slot live on Sky Sports: “When you [Dave Jackson] say there’s no major signings, the major signing was the manager. Let’s be honest, when you look at it, I know this is a club that’s driven by data with obviously Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes and I spoke to Richard about this and I said, ‘Why Arne Slot?’
“He said because everything pointed towards a man that can handle that big-club mentality, where there’s a crowd, there’s a passion about it, you have to not just manage a team but you have to manage the expectations, you have to be calm about managing this club and I think the way that he’s done that has been absolutely phenomenal.”
Jamie Redknapp went on to laud Arne Slot, who has commanded respect at Liverpool despite being his cool and composed self: “He’s a super cool guy, when [Jose] Mourinho came in, he was the ‘special one’, this guy’s the ‘cool one.’ He doesn’t get flustered, he’s come in, he’s never made it look too difficult, the team have played exceptionally well but he’s never got too high and never too low and I think that’s the art of management.”
Arne Slot’s one rule at Liverpool that won them the Premier League
It’s safe to say that Jamie Redknapp agreed with Richard Hughes’ rationale as Liverpool made one of the best decisions in their history by bringing Arne Slot on board.
Joe Gomez revealed Slot’s constant warning at Liverpool to the players in December to not to rest on their laurels, a message that has led to their Premier League triumph: “Arne is constantly reminding us that we cannot get complacent. The coaching staff and the gaffer’s attention to detail is second to none.”
“I think even when we come in at half-time sometimes, when things are not going our way, the ability to adapt in certain situations and guide us in the right way is so good.”
