Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has confirmed that he will succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s head coach.
Earlier this year, Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool after nine successful seasons with the club.
Initially, Liverpool had their sights set on Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
However, Alonso opted to stay with Die Werkself for another season, prompting Liverpool to turn their attention to Slot. The Dutchman has already signed a contract to take over as coach this summer.
Feyenoord marked Slot’s departure with an emotional tribute ahead of their final match of the season.
Speaking with the media, Slot said [via ESPN]: “I can confirm that I will become the trainer there next year.
“Until now I was not thinking about this being the build up to my last match, but that starts coming now. At the beginning of the week you are thinking about training and those kind of things.
But the feeling gets stronger now. That is why I’m a little bit late now [for the news conference], because I wanted to say goodbye to some people personally and take time for them, more then just shaking hands.
“So yeah, the feeling grows. I understand that good results help, but it is very nice to feel that people really are thinking it’s a pity that I’m leaving. You can say that with words, but you can feel it if people truly think that way. That does mean a lot to me.”
Slot has been compared to Klopp in terms of his playing style, and bringing the Dutchman to Anfield will cost Liverpool close to £13m ($16m) in compensation to Feyenoord, according to reports.
The 45-year-old manager led Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title last season and finished this season in second place behind PSV.
Slot will lead Feyenoord for the final time at De Kuip on May 19 as they face Excelsior, before bidding farewell to the Feyenoord faithful.