A curious story emerged from Spain this week regarding Liverpool manager Arne Slot. As he continues to shape his life at Anfield, not all of that work is happening on the training pitch.
The Dutch coach remains under scrutiny as the season unfolds. Expectations are still high after last year’s title. However, performances have not always matched that level. Behind the scenes, though, he is building routines and connections in his own way.
Slot has been taking regular padel lessons in England, often alongside members of his coaching staff, as part of his weekly routine.
The sessions are led by Spanish coach Alberto Cubero, who is based in Manchester but travels to Liverpool to work with Slot – and was interviewed by AS. It may seem like a small detail, yet it helps explain how the Liverpool manager is settling into his environment.
Alexander-Arnold link behind the scenes
The connection between Slot and Cubero did not come through Liverpool directly. Instead, it developed through the inner circle of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Cubero explained how that relationship started: “I met Tyler Alexander-Arnold, Trent’s brother and agent, who was still at Liverpool; we became friends and they had two padel courts at their training ground. Slot was looking for a padel coach and Tyler recommended me. That’s how I started giving him lessons.”
That detail is revealing. It shows how informal networks around the squad can influence the manager’s day-to-day life. Slot is already connected to figures close to key players.
For a relatively new manager, that matters. Integration is not only about results or tactics. It also depends on trust and familiarity, and those links often begin outside formal structures.
Competitive edge extends off the pitch
Cubero also offered insight into Slot’s personality when he steps onto the court. His description paints a clear picture.
“He plays on the backhand side, he’s a very aggressive player. I think he’s been playing for six or seven years at least, he plays very well.”
The traits are easy to recognise. Slot’s football has often been associated with intensity and control. While padel is a different context, the competitive instincts remain visible.
These sessions are also shared with members of his coaching staff. That creates a different kind of environment, one that allows relationships to develop away from the pressures of matches and training.
Interestingly, Cubero also recalled that padel had already made its way into elite football environments in Manchester years ago.
He noted that a court had even been installed at Manchester City’s facilities under Pep Guardiola, where he occasionally played with staff members. “I was able to play there sometimes. With people from his staff, physios. but I didn’t get to play with Pep,” he said.
What this says about Liverpool environment
At a time when focus naturally falls on performances, stories like this offer a different angle. They show how a manager operates behind closed doors and how he connects with those around him.
Slot is still finding his feet at Liverpool, especially during this frustrating season. That process happens in many ways, not all of them visible.
This is one of the quieter details, but it still adds to the overall picture.
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