Slot offers first interview since changing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Arne Slot has spent his first few weeks as Liverpool head coach by studying not just matches but training sessions to get a feel for the playing style and culture of his new team after replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Slot replaced the legendary German on a three-year deal from Feyenoord, where he won a Eredivisie league title and Dutch Cup, and officially started work as Liverpool head coach on June 1.

He spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday afternoon and said he has already been working hard behind the scenes and is in daily contact with fellow newcomer Richard Hughes, the sporting director.

‘Now is a good moment to arrive here and talk to you,’ said the 45-year-old, who wanted to hold off any media duties to respect Klopp’s farewell events. ‘But let’s be clear: I don’t start today, I’ve been in a lot of contact with staff members already.

‘From people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard and I are calling each other because we have to talk. This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready.

Arne Slot has given his first interview since being appointed Liverpool’s new manager

Slot replaces Jurgen Klopp after he left the club last month following nine years in charge

Slot revealed he has been watching old training sessions to learn how his players work best

‘I’ve seen many games already, I’ve seen many training sessions as well. Of course the fans can see the games, so they know we have some very good players. But I’ve also seen a lot of training sessions already and I think this is where you bring the culture.

‘They are always working hard – like the fans see during the game. (It is a) real good team, real good players, managed to be on top for a very long time, but I think in the end we would all love to see Liverpool a bit higher than third place and this is the challenge we are facing now.

‘Of course to get to know more about the players because mostly you see them during the games. And you want to know what the culture is, how they train and what they are used to. I think it’s always interesting if you are the successor of Klopp and also Pepijn Lijnders.

‘He does quite a bit of work on the training pitch, to see what their ideas were on the training pitch. I said this, we all try to steal a bit from each other – mostly this is done by looking at the games but if you can see the way they train, that can only help you.’

Slot is determined to put his own stamp on Liverpool once the season gets underway

Slot wants to build on Klopp’s strong foundations, with the German winning the Carabao Cup in his final season, but also do things his own way

But though Slot was happy to admit he will steal ideas from Klopp and Lijnders, he was very keen to make it clear he will be his own man when he steps into the sizable shoes of the German manager.

Asked about the big change ahead at Anfield, he said: ‘It is. I am wearing the new jersey and, of course, there is change but a lot of things are still the same as well. I think the players are still the same, which is probably the most important thing.

‘We are going to try to work on what Jurgen left behind and we will see a lot of similar things. But, of course, I bring my own things to the table as well and I think that’s also what is expected of me.’