‘Arne ten Slot!’ Richard Keys claims new Liverpool boss is a ‘mini-me’ of Man United’s Erik ten Hag and Reds fans are ‘totally underwhelmed’ by Jurgen Klopp’s successor in odd rant

Richard Keys has described Arne Slot as a ‘mini-me’ of Erik ten Hag and believes Liverpool’s new manager will face the same problems as his Manchester United counterpart.

In a somewhat bizarre tirade against the incoming Dutch coach at Anfield, the former Sky Sports presenter claimed that no Liverpool fan is enthusiastic about Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

Keys also claimed that Slot’s job title of ‘head coach’ rather than ‘manager’ is important because it reinforces the authority of head football Michael Edwards.

Slot, 45, the current Feyenoord manager is set to take over at Anfield when Klopp steps down in the summer after nine successful years.

Ten Hag made a positive start at Old Trafford after joining from Ajax in 2022, but this season has been more difficult.

Richard Keys has described new Liverpool boss Arne Slot (left) as a ‘mini-me’ of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (right)

Keys, who covers the Premier League on Qatar-based beIN Sports, believes Liverpool fans are ‘totally blown away’ by Slot’s appointment

Jürgen Klopp will leave Anfield this summer after nine years in charge of Liverpool

“I believe Liverpool are on the verge of making the same mistakes as United,” Keys wrote on his blogging.

‘Arne finally. Real? Not for me. And I’m not the only one.

‘There isn’t a Liverpool fan I’ve spoken to who isn’t absolutely blown away by the news that Ten Slot will replace Klopp.

“Okay, let’s cut him some slack. I accept that we don’t know. It could be an inspiring appointment. But I’m not convinced.

‘Why ten Lock? (I know that’s not his name, but he’s a mini-me, right?). I guarantee we’ll all hear the same things they said about Ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveiled their man.

“What you won’t hear is the acknowledgment that he wasn’t the first choice. Or that his record in the Netherlands is not even as good as that of Ten Hag.’

Keys, who now works with Qatar-based beIN Sports, goes on to say it is ‘revealing’ that Slot will be Liverpool’s ‘head coach’ rather than their manager.

‘Why is that important? Well, I believe it strengthens Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football’.

Slot guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season and won the cup this year

Keys believes Michael Edwards (left), who returned to Liverpool as head of football, has lost the power struggle with Klopp (centre)

‘Edwards only returned to Liverpool after a two-year absence. Maybe it’s a coincidence that he’s back when Klopp leaves? But I don’t believe that is the case.

‘Speak to insiders and they will tell you he left after a falling out with Klopp, who ultimately runs Liverpool from top to bottom. Quite simply, Edwards lost the power struggle.

‘There is no way Edwards would have returned to the club unless he had been guaranteed full control of all football matters.

‘That meant he would be working with a coach, not a manager. Only time will tell whether he chose the right one.’

Klopp’s final season at Anfield has ended with a fizzle. On their way to a potential Quadruple when they won the Carabao Cup in February, they have since exited the FA Cup and Europa League.

Their hopes of a second Premier League title for Klopp appear to be over after a 2-0 defeat to Everton and a 2-2 draw against West Ham last week.

Liverpool are third in the standings, five points behind leaders Arsenal with three games to play.