Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admits there's 'big shoes to fill' as he takes the reigns at Anfield

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admits he has “big shoes to fill” succeeding Jurgen Klopp but said winning matches would be the best way to start his reign.

Slot has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of Klopp who enjoyed a successful nine seasons at Anfield before his shock decision to stand down.

During the German's tenure Liverpool won a first Premier League title in 30 years and he took them to three Champions League finals, winning the trophy in 2019.

Klopp’s huge popularity with supporters was also a major factor during his reign and Slot said that was something he would have to develop – but success on the pitch would help.

“They are big shoes to fill but you can look at it as inheriting a squad and a team which has a winning culture,” he said at his first press conference.

“One of the reasons to come here – and there are always more reasons for this – but I do feel we have a real good squad, and as a manager you want to work at a club with good players with an opportunity to win something.

“The past has shown there is a possibility to win some trophies. I like to work with players and like to develop them but I like to win as well, and at this club there is an opportunity to win."

Slot himself is no stranger to success.

He was an Eredivisie winner with Feyenoord in 2022/23, the first time the club had been crowned champions in the Netherlands since 2017, and is considered one of the best coaches in the club’s history.

“It always helps to get to know the city but I think, as a manager, it helps even more if you win most of your games," Slot told the media on Friday.

“If we do that in the best possible way it will probably give me some time as well, and if I have time then I can get to know the city a bit better.

“But it all starts with improving the team and winning as many games as we can.”

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