Robbie Fowler says he was initially ‘shocked’ to see Feyenoord boss Arne Slot linked with Liverpool, but believes the manager will be ‘backed’ by fans despite appearing a left-field choice.
Widespread reports last week indicated that Liverpool and Feyenoord had reached an agreement over a compensation package for Slot, with the Eredivisie outfit rejecting an initial offer worth around £7.7.million.
It comes after Klopp rocked the footballing world with an announcement in January revealing his decision to step down as head coach after nine trophy-laden years on Merseyside.
Xabi Alonso had been the favourite for the job but Liverpool were forced to look elsewhere after the Spaniard confirmed he would be committing his immediate future to Bayer Leverkusen, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions.
Slot has since emerged as the clear frontrunner, with the 45-year-old Dutchman making no secret of his desire to take over the reins from Klopp at Anfield – and official confirmation is expected over the coming weeks.
The speculation surrounding Slot’s impending arrival has had many Liverpool fans Googling the manager’s name in search of his achievements in the Netherlands – and Fowler admits he knew very little about the Feyenoord boss.
Quizzed on his initial reaction to rumours that is set to replace Klopp, Fowler told Anfield Index: ‘To be completely honest, it was a shock.
‘I had to actually look him up, because I wasn’t sure what he had achieved.
‘The first thing I noticed was that he wasn’t even top of the Dutch league.
‘To be fair, after looking deeper at what he’s achieved and the context around it, then yeah, he has done pretty well.’
Fowler is confident Slot will have the full support of Liverpool fans should he be confirmed as Klopp’s successor ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
‘It’s not the choice a lot of fans would’ve chose, but they’ll still back him,’ the legendary ex-Liverpool and England striker added.
‘With Jurgen, it’s unusual because he is leaving on his own terms, so the narrative is in his hands.
‘I know some people have criticised the timing of his announcement, but I think he had to or it was going to get leaked.’
Klopp himself has been asked to share his verdict on Slot’s proposed appointment and it seems the German is an admirer of his would-be successor.
‘I didn’t read anything but [I know] Arne has said something. I am not involved, club-wise,’ Klopp told reporters last week.
‘I would like a lot that if he is the one. He wants to take the job and is excited. I like his team’s style, all I hear about him as a guy.
‘Some people I know tell me. Good coach. All sounds really good to me. Best job and club in the world. And healthy, space for improvement. Fantastic people.’
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
