Arne Slot and his family during his time at Feyenoord
Arne Slot and his family during his time at Feyenoord
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has opened up on having Christmas without his family following his move from Feyenoord to Anfield in the summer.
Slot's wife and kids remained in the Netherlands while he moved to England to coach the Reds, and he has enjoyed a near-perfect start to life on Merseyside. Liverpool sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over nearest challengers Chelsea heading into the jam-packed festive schedule.
They also hold a perfect record in Europe, winning all six of their Champions League group fixtures so far to sit top of the table. Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp and many expected a bedding-in season for the Dutchman.
Arne Slot's opinion of himself sums up Liverpool boss perfectly - 'Almost impossible'
[
Mohamed Salah contract statement issued by Liverpool team-mate - 'Very lucky'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-transfers-mo-salah-contract-34373301)
But he has hit the ground running in spectacular style to leave Liverpool hot favourites for a second Premier League title. The Reds are also in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they face Spurs over two legs.
As with most of the top European leagues, the Eredivisie in the Netherlands has a winter break. Slot spent the time last year in Dubai, but with Liverpool hosting Leicester on Boxing Day evening before a trip to West Ham on Sunday, there is no rest this time around.
"It is different," Slot told Sky Sports. "Yesterday there was a padel tournament that my brother organised and I knew from last season I was there and then went to Dubai for 10 days the day after. Now I am here I am not going to go to Dubai as I am going to manage a few Premier League games."
Slot admits it's difficult to be away from his family, but insisted it was the best thing for his wife and children to remain in the Netherlands, at least in the short term. When asked if it was difficult not to be with them at Christmas, he added: "Yeah. If I said no it would probably be strange as well.
Slot has enjoyed a near-perfect start to life at Liverpool ( Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images202)
Will Liverpool win the Premier League this season? Have your say below.
"There are obvious reasons why we (my wife and I) kept the children and my wife in Holland as they are in the last year of their school. They have to do their exams so for us it was not the ideal moment to bring them towards England. But in the ideal world you are the manager of Liverpool and still have your family around you."
Despite Liverpool's red-hot start to the season, Slot insists he is not getting carried away. "I have always said how difficult it was," he said. "You can see it now.
"The best way to judge the league table is after 19 games. It is so hard to win a league everywhere around the world. It is so hard to win the league. You have to do so many things well. That is why so many teams and not many players are able to do so because it so difficult."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Premier League
Watch the Premier League on Prime Video £0 (was £8.99)
Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27.
Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.
Amazon
Get Amazon Prime here