Former Liverpool star names one big 'difference' between Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp

Former Champions League-winning midfielder Vladimir Smicer has explained the one major difference between Jurgen Klopp and the incoming Arne Slot.

Klopp waved farewell to Liverpool after nearly nine full seasons at the club following a dominant 2-0 final-day victory over Wolves as they finished third behind Arsenal and Manchester City. His reign is now over and fans are already looking to the future with hope for the Dutch manager.

Slot has developed a strong reputation in Holland with his AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord sides, winning three trophies across his time in the Eredivisie, including the league title last season and the Dutch cup this year. With big shoes to fill, many believe he will find it difficult to succeed the enigmatic German manager, but former player Smicer, who netted in the Champions League final win over AC Milan in 2005, claims there is one key difference between the pair.

Speaking to OLBG, Smicer said. “I met Arne Slot when Slavia Prague played Feyenoord twice so I saw his work. His system and his mentality is all about being calm.

“He’s really good. His team knows exactly how he wants to play and I hope he can bring that to Liverpool. Of course, it won't be easy for anybody to replace Jurgen, but that's football. Steven Gerrard left Liverpool and now Jurgen is leaving Liverpool. That's football. We need to overcome these things as a club and I think Arne Slot could be the right man.

“He’s more reserved than Klopp and not as loud, but all coaches show different emotions. Everybody in the city loves Jurgen and I hope Arne Slot can earn the same reaction, he will have a really good squad to work with and I can’t see any reason why he can’t continue the work he has done with Feyenoord.”

Despite the fact he referenced ‘calm’ within Slot’s playing style, his side’s figures tell a different story. During the three seasons he spent at Feyenoord, his side recorded the most shots, most high turnovers, most possession won final third, had the most points gained from losing positions, most build-up attacks and the most direct attacks. But if he can combine calm with intensity then Liverpool could be a force to be feared next season.