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Anfield Index
·2 March 2025
Robin van Persie Praises Arne Slot’s Impact as Liverpool Manager
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·2 March 2025
Liverpool’s decision to appoint Arne Slot as their new manager after Jurgen Klopp’s departure was one of the most closely watched moves in European football. While the transition might have seemed like an impossible task to many, Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and the recruitment team proved that it was anything but. Slot, in his first season at Anfield, has made an immediate impact, leading the Reds towards the possibility of a Premier League title at the first time of asking.
However, Slot’s success at Liverpool has cast a shadow over his former club, Feyenoord, who are still trying to find their footing after his departure. Brian Priske, Slot’s successor, was sacked after a series of disappointing results, and Feyenoord turned to a familiar face in club legend Robin van Persie to guide them back to the top. Van Persie’s thoughts on his former colleague Slot provide valuable insight into the 46-year-old’s managerial prowess and why he has become such an influential figure at Liverpool.
Robin van Persie, a Feyenoord icon and former Premier League striker, has spoken candidly about Slot’s time at Feyenoord and his proud feelings about the Dutch coach’s success at Liverpool. “We should all be very proud that Arne has worked here at Feyenoord for three years,” Van Persie told The Mirror. “He did a really great job, absolutely raised the level, and if you see how he is doing now at Liverpool, that is really something we are proud of.”
Van Persie, who started and ended his career at Feyenoord, worked with Slot during his time as a youth coach at the club. As he reflects on the legacy of Slot’s work, Van Persie is quick to acknowledge the immense progress made under Slot’s tenure. “I am happy to continue the work with his legacy,” Van Persie added. “I won’t suffer from it, on the contrary, I see it as a plus because a number of players who worked under Arne know the patterns I like to see.”
Photo: IMAGO
This endorsement from Van Persie speaks volumes about the respect Slot commands within Dutch football. Van Persie’s confidence in Slot’s methods is clear, and it seems that his belief in the Liverpool manager’s style will be crucial in his own journey with Feyenoord.
Despite Van Persie’s pride in Slot’s achievements, Feyenoord have found themselves in a difficult position without him. The club had grown accustomed to competing for trophies under Slot’s leadership, but a natural decline followed his departure. Under Brian Priske, Feyenoord have been inconsistent, and with 10 games left in the Eredivisie season, they are already 13 points behind Ajax at the top of the table, effectively out of the title race.
Despite these challenges, Feyenoord remains focused on qualifying for the Champions League next season, currently sitting just one point behind third-placed Utrecht. Priske’s tenure did bring some success in Europe, guiding Feyenoord to the knockout stages of the Champions League, where they will face Inter Milan. However, domestic results have left much to be desired, with Feyenoord’s recent 2-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven proving to be the final straw for Priske.
Slot’s success at Liverpool cannot be overstated. Despite the challenges that came with succeeding Jurgen Klopp, he has implemented a tactical style that has already brought results. Slot’s focus on high-pressing, fluid attacking football and tactical discipline has resonated with Liverpool’s players, and his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s demands has been impressive. The fact that he is on course to deliver a Premier League title in his first season speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Photo: IMAGO
Van Persie’s comments on Slot’s legacy offer a reminder of just how significant his tenure at Feyenoord was. The Dutch coach raised the level of the club, and his influence has been felt both at Feyenoord and now at Liverpool. The Reds are benefiting from a manager who not only understands how to win but also how to develop players and implement a style of play that suits their strengths.
Witnessing Arne Slot’s transition to Anfield has been nothing short of exhilarating. Replacing Jurgen Klopp, one of the club’s greatest managers, was never going to be an easy task, but Slot has managed to do so with style and success. His tactical approach, which focuses on pressing and attacking fluidly, has breathed new life into Liverpool’s game.
The praise from Robin van Persie only further confirms what we have already seen: Slot is not just a tactician, but a man who commands respect from all corners of football. His work at Feyenoord laid the foundation for what he is now achieving at Liverpool, and Van Persie’s acknowledgment of Slot’s legacy speaks volumes.
As fans, we can be excited for the future, knowing that Liverpool is in safe hands under a manager who already understands how to get the best out of his players. With Slot at the helm, Liverpool’s pursuit of further trophies, including the Premier League, seems more achievable than ever.