The response of former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys to Liverpool’s choice of Arne Slot as manager has resurfaced, coinciding with the Reds being potentially one match away from securing their 20th league title.
Initially, it was believed that Slot would require a rebuilding phase after succeeding Anfield legend Jurgen Klopp; however, the Dutchman is on track to become only the fifth manager to win the Premier League in his inaugural season.
By surpassing expectations and successfully securing key players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk with new contracts, many would argue that Slot’s debut season as Liverpool’s manager could hardly have been more successful.
This context makes Keys’ initial evaluation all the more surprising.
Keys’ ‘Arne ten Slot’ Comment Comes Back to Bite HimThe presenter believed Liverpool were making a mistake with the Dutch coach
Arne SlotIn an article written on his own blog, Keys opted to make comparisons between Slot and a then in trouble Erik ten Hag, suggesting that Liverpool were making the same mistake that Manchester United did in hiring a manager from the Eredivisie.
At the time, Ten Hag was on the brink of the sack after a disappointing season at Old Trafford, but was saved by the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
He would eventually lose his job early in the 2024/25 season, but Keys believed that Anfield was also going to see a similar story being told with the acquisition of Slot to the touchline:
“The truth is – he [Ten Hag] got the Utd job on the back of dominating a small league with the biggest club in that league and after winning three consecutive titles. But that’s exactly what he should’ve done.
He had the best players and good resources.”I mention it because I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that Utd did. Arne ten Slot.
Really? Not for me. And I’m not alone. There isn’t a Liverpool fan that I’ve spoken to isn’t totally underwhelmed by the news ten Slot is going to replace Klopp.
“Why ten Slot? (I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he?).
I guarantee you we’ll hear all the same things they said about ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveil their man.
What you won’t hear is an admission that he wasn’t first choice. Or that his record in Holland isn’t even as good as ten Hag’s was.”
Another thing that Keys noted was Michael Edwards’ return to the club as Chief Executive, believing that Slot’s appointment was partly because the former Feyenoord boss would be easier for Edwards to control, with Keys alleging that Edwards wanted full power at Anfield.Liverpool fans have only just discovered Arne Slot’s real name and their minds are blownRelatedArne Slot’s Real Name Shocks Liverpool FansHowever, the success that the Reds have had domestically under Slot has left Keys with egg on his face, as Slot has been able to turn the Merseyside outfit—who fell at the final couple of hurdles last season—into champions in waiting without any major reinforcements.