Arne Slot has been handed a unique ‘advantage’ by Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool and the manner it has come about.
That’s according to former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld, who believes the fact Klopp is going on sabbatical and has not been sacked is a plus point for the Dutch boss.
Slot was confirmed as the new Liverpool manager earlier this month following Klopp’s departure at the end of the season.
The Reds had moved quickly to secure the Dutch manager’s signature after Klopp announced earlier this year he would be departing Liverpool, despite having a year left on his deal.
The German is now set for a period out of the game, having explained that he decided to leave Anfield after growing tired and unable to continue at the level he’s previously worked at.
He has already publically given his backing to his successor and Westerveld believes that the fact he is going on a sabbatical will work in Slot’s favour.
“I would have liked Klopp to continue for another year,” he told Algemeen Dagblad, relayed by FR Fans.
“There is a young team, no one is ready with him, but he made the choice himself.
“The advantage for Slot is that Klopp is taking a sabbatical and would be at Anfield regularly and ready is able to provide help. That is really a unique situation in football.”
The move to Liverpool is undoubtedly the biggest step of Slot’s managerial career to date, after spells with Feyenoord, AZ Alkmaar and SC Cambuur.
How he deals with the step up remains to be seen, with the move from the Eredivisie to England having proven to be a difficult one for numerous managers down the years.
Westerveld, though, believes that there is one other thing he won’t be able to plan for, and that is the atmosphere at Anfield.
“When you enter the stadium, you think it is smaller than the PSV stadium, but when the supporters stand behind the club you don’t know what you are experiencing,” he added.
“When You Never Walk Alone starts you get goosebumps. You can’t prepare for that.”
