Arne Slot, Feyenoord's coach, is apparently in talks to join Liverpool. He is recognized as a passionate leader who gets the most out of his players and expects a great work ethic.

Slot, a supporter of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, was a speedy forward with a reputation for excellent passing — so much so that a move is named after him.

Here are five essential facts about the 45-year-old who may follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Slot joined PEC Zwolle as a 17-year-old striker recognized for his skill rather than his running.

"Many people believed Arne was sluggish and phlegmatic. But that wasn't correct. "You shouldn't expect sliding tackles," his former coach Jan Everse told public broadcaster NOS.

But "silky" and "cultured" are often used to define his playing style, and PEC Zwolle still uses the "Arne Slot Pass," according to former teammate Bram van Polen.

The Arne Slot Pass is a little deflection from a forward with his back to goal that splits the opposition and allows a winger to run off the ball.

- Dressing room style.

Liverpool fans hunting for signs about their probable future manager's approach have been circulating a spirited team talk he gave Feyenoord players following a historic victory over Ajax.

"The reason we're where we are now is because you work your ass off every day. And that's why you can defeat this club in their own stadium, without even our fans present," he informed the locker room.

"But it's only a win. It's a tremendous triumph, but we have a bigger goal this season than winning for the first time in 17 years in Amsterdam," Slot stated to applause from the players.

- Spurs Links -

Slot has previously attracted Premier League clubs, including Liverpool. He was strongly connected with Tottenham during their difficult hunt to replace Antonio Conte in May 2023.

Slot abruptly walked out as Spurs were apparently set to clinch the deal, instead signing a new contract with Feyenoord in Rotterdam.

"The decisive factor was playing in the Champions League… the fact that I am having a great time privately and being able to build on the past two seasons," Slot had stated at the time.

Feyenoord's Champions League campaign started well with a 2-0 home win against Celtic, but two defeats to Atletico Madrid sealed their fate, as they finished third in Group E.

- A supporter of Guardiola.

The British press has already branded Slot the "Dutch Pep Guardiola" due to his high-pressing aggressive style, which is popular among Feyenoord fans.

Slot admires the great Spanish coach of Manchester City, who would be one of his main competitors if he joined Liverpool.

In multiple interviews, he has highlighted Guardiola as a role model, telling the Algemeene Dagblad (AD) last year that "players always look very good under him." And the same players appear to have performed poorly under previous and subsequent managers."

Run, run, run!

Slot is known as a coach with a strong work ethic, driving to Feyenoord's camp before dawn, watching every training session, and exhaustively analyzing potential opponents.

"I say to Feyenoord: you have to ensure that you create four times as many chances as your opponent and work twice as hard," Slot was quoted as saying.

"In all of the games we've won this season, the data shows that we've run 20 or 30 percent more than the opponents. Matches we did not win: barely three or six percent more."

"Every training, every meeting must be spot on," he went on to say.
This has resulted in Feyenoord being seen as a physically fit side that works hard for one another and frequently scores late goals.

Slot appears to have developed this work ethic as a manager rather than a player.

"He wants his boys to be fit." He hadn't had that before. "I'm not sure if he's ever seen the inside of a weight room," claimed former teammate Van Polen.