Arne Slot and Gary Lineker had an appointment for the BBC. The anchorman of the British broadcaster, in his final months at Match of the Day, first had questions for the Liverpool manager. After that, they played padel, and Slot had a spicy little gift.
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Lineker was keen to know how Arne Slot had experienced his first weeks at Anfield, stepping into the shoes of Jürgen Klopp, one of Liverpool's most beloved managers.
Slot reflected on his early days, emphasizing the importance of settling into his new environment before preseason officially began. "I first arrived at the club one and a half weeks before we started preseason. That time was invaluable for me to get used to the surroundings and the people working behind the scenes. When all the players returned, I already felt completely at ease. It was nice that I had already learned a lot of new names, that I knew where the toilet was, those kinds of things," he joked, showcasing his relaxed approach despite the weight of expectation surrounding his appointment.
Throughout the interview, Slot took multiple opportunities to praise his predecessor, Jürgen Klopp, whose legacy at Anfield remains enormous. "They wanted a playing style similar to what Jürgen had. That was one of the key reasons they chose me for the job. I haven’t had to change much. Just a few small things here and there, mainly adapting to the squad’s strengths. Of course, we didn’t win the league, but that doesn’t mean the squad needed an overhaul. If Jürgen were still here, he would have made some adjustments too. Football is always evolving, and you need to tweak things constantly to stay ahead."
Despite the praise and positive reception for his work at Liverpool, Slot has had to make significant personal sacrifices. His family remains in the Netherlands, meaning that he spends long stretches of time away from his loved ones. "That’s difficult," he admitted. "The good thing is that it’s only an hour’s flight, so they can be here quickly when possible. But my kids go to school, and they can’t just skip classes, especially during exam periods. I was fortunate to see them quite often in the first half of the season, especially with the international breaks. Now there aren’t any, so that will be tough. It’s one of the hardest parts of the job, but I knew what I was signing up for."
Lineker, never shy of asking direct questions, wanted to know what had truly surprised Slot during his time at Liverpool. The Dutchman didn’t hesitate to highlight two players in particular. "Everyone in England will tell you that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world, but in the Netherlands, he still gets some criticism from time to time. Seeing him up close every day, I was deeply impressed by how he is on the ball, how he reads the game, and how much he leads the team. You see it on television, but when you work with him daily, you appreciate it even more. And of course, there was Ryan Gravenberch. I knew he was a great talent, but he reached an incredibly high level here. He has adapted well, and I think he can become even better."
The conversation then took a more lighthearted turn as the two headed to the padel court, a sport Slot enjoys in his free time. Slot and Lineker played a friendly match, and while the Dutch coach's competitive spirit was evident, the atmosphere remained relaxed and playful. The footage of their game can be seen toward the end of the video.
To wrap up the encounter, Slot had a special gift for Lineker. As a gesture of appreciation, he handed the former England striker a signed Liverpool shirt. The thought was certainly kind, but given Lineker’s deep ties to Everton, the gesture carried a humorous twist. "I don't know if it's his dream present, but I had to give him something to remember this by," Slot laughed. Lineker, always a good sport, graciously accepted the gift, though his reaction hinted that he might not be framing it anytime soon.
This lighthearted meeting between the two football personalities not only offered insight into Slot's early experiences at Liverpool but also showcased his personality grounded, witty, and deeply respectful of the traditions and expectations at Anfield. While the challenges of managing a club of Liverpool's stature remain immense, Slot appears to be navigating them with confidence and a sense of humor, making his transition into English football all the more compelling.
