Arne Slot’s first interview as Liverpool manager: New Reds boss reveals he has been watching old training sessions, discusses summer recruitment plans and desire to put his own stamp on the club

Arne Slot has spent his first few weeks as Liverpool head coach studying not just matches but also training to get a feel for his new team’s playing style and culture after replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Slot replaced the legendary German on a three-year contract from Feyenoord, where he won the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup, and officially took over as head coach of Liverpool on June 1.

He spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday afternoon and said he had already worked hard behind the scenes and was in daily contact with fellow newcomer Richard Hughes, the sporting director.

“This is a good time to arrive here and talk to you,” said the 45-year-old, who wanted to suspend all media duties to respect Klopp’s farewell events. ‘But let’s be clear: I’m not starting today, I’ve already had a lot of contact with employees.

‘From the people who work here to the new employees who come in, and of course Richard and I call each other almost every day because we need to talk. This is also a very important phase for the new season, to ensure that the team is ready.

Slot replaces Jurgen Klopp after he left the club last month after nine years in charge

Slot revealed that he has been watching old training sessions to learn how his players work best

‘I have seen many matches, I have also seen many training sessions. Of course the fans can see the games, so they know we have some really good players. But I have also seen a lot of training and I think you bring the culture here.

‘They always work hard, as the fans see during the match. (It’s a) really good team, really good players, who have been at the top for a very long time, but I think ultimately we would all like to see Liverpool slightly higher than third place and this is the challenge we face now .

‘Of course to find out more about the players, because you mainly see them during the matches. And you want to know what the culture is, how they train and what they are used to. I always find it interesting when you are the successor to Klopp and also to Pepijn Lijnders.

“He does quite a bit of work on the training pitch, seeing what their ideas were on the training pitch. I said this, we’re all trying to steal a little from each other. Usually this is done by watching the matches, but if you can see how they train, it can only help you.’

Slot is determined to put his own stamp on Liverpool once the season starts

Slot wants to build on Klopp’s strong foundations, with the German winning the Carabao Cup in his final season, but also wants to do things his own way

But while Slot was happy to admit he would steal ideas from Klopp and Lijnders, he was keen to make it clear that he will be his own man when he steps into the German manager’s shoes.

Asked about the big change ahead at Anfield, he said: “It is. I’m wearing the new jersey and of course there is change, but many things are still the same. I think the players are still the same, which is probably the most important thing.

“We’re going to try to work on what Jurgen left behind and we’ll see a lot of similar things. But of course I also bring my own stuff and I think that is also expected of me.’