Liverpool are set to have a number of new members in the boardroom next season as well as a fresh face in the dugout.
A compensation package worth up to £9.4m for Arne Slot has been agreed with Feyenoord as the Dutchman prepares to replace Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Richard Hughes is set to start his term as sporting director this summer as the returning Michael Edwards leads the charge as FSG’s CEO of football.
With all these changes comes a new hierarchy system, it seems. Slot has been targeted for having similar tactics and personality to Klopp, but he could be set to take up different responsibilities than his predecessor.
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That’s because he will be named as Liverpool’s head coach, rather than manager, The Times reports. The change of title may be marginal but it is significant. Slot will be tasked with solely focusing on managing the squad and with Hughes acting as his go-to overhead.
Hughes himself is thought to be poised to oversee recruitment and other footballing departments at the club, with Edwards essentially being the chief of operations. The role of ‘manager’ - as with Klopp - entails that the person in the dugout has influence on many, if not all, areas.
Interestingly, all of the candidates approached during the interview process adopt the title of ‘head coach’ at their respective clubs, rather than manager, according to the report. It also states that Slot is relaxed about Liverpool’s proposed structure, which the club see as empowering management rather than limiting it.
The 45-year-old is expected to bring over members of his backroom team, possibly including assistant Sipke Hulshoff and analyst Etienne Reijnen. Ruben Peeters, head of performances, may also make the trip across the North Sea.
Liverpool are said to have adopted a data-led approach to finding Klopp’s successor and were impressed with Slot’s ability to maximise performance with the talent he has to hand. His communication, playing style and connection with Feyenoord supporters also endeared Liverpool.
