Liverpool are almost ready for a brand new era, as Jurgen Klopp’s reign enters its final two weeks.
The Reds have known for over three months now that Klopp would be leaving once the curtain came down on the current season.
That doesn’t make the German’s leaving any easier of course. The Anfield fixture against Wolves on the 19th is going to hurt for every Liverpool supporter right to their core.
And while Klopp has been busy picking out the music to accompany that devastating farewell, Michael Edwards has been hard at work choosing his successor.
Although we’re yet to hear an official announcement, the chosen man is Arne Slot of Feyenoord. And while that decision has been criticised in certain quarters, former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson thinks he knows exactly why Edwards has gone for Slot.
Glen Johnson shares Arne Slot insight
Funnily, Johnson and Edwards actually go way back. The former England right-back was playing for Portsmouth while FSG’s CEO of football was an analyst at the club in the early 2000’s.
As a result Johnson is also very familiar with new Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, having played alongside him for three years at Pompey.
This makes the 39-year-old an interesting commentator on the two men’s appointment of Slot at Liverpool. And speaking to Squawka, Johnson claimed that Edwards’ interest in the Dutch coach likely stems from being a fan of the legendary Louis van Gaal.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen many games that he’s managed,” he admitted when asked what he made of his old club’s decision to hire Slot.
“But I know he is very close to [Louis] van Gaal and people like that. So if he’s taken any leaves out of their books, like Brendan [Rodgers] did with Mourinho, then you’re learning from one of the best. They’ve got their eyes on him and Eddie [Michael Edwards] the sporting director knows exactly what he’s doing. And he’s a big fan of Van Gaal, so I’m sure that’s where the interest has come from.
“Liverpool make these signings and they usually get it right. It’s a tough job for him to go into and it’s a totally different league, but he’s going to inherit a fantastic team. So let’s see what he can do if he is the right man.”
Who is Louis van Gaal
Younger readers may perhaps be unfamiliar with the legend that is Louis van Gaal. So, let us introduce you.
During the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Van Gaal was one of the most innovative coaches in the game. Having led Ajax to a remarkable undefeated league and Champions League double in 1995, the Dutchman was revered across the continent.
After leaving his native Netherlands, Van Gaal could never quite emulate the success of his great Ajax team, but still lifted league titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The 72-year-old did also have a spell in the Premier League, of course, managing Manchester United to an FA Cup triumph in 2016. Despite that, Van Gaal’s time in England was largely a failure.
As a result, if Johnson is correct, Liverpool will be hoping they get the ‘Iron Tulip’ of Ajax, rather than the one that came to England. Let’s wait and see.
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