Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has lifted the lid on the process that saw Arne Slot appointed as the Reds’ head coach, with the club’s board’s confidence in him showing why he still retains their backing after a difficult start to the season.
Slot of course had huge boots to fill when he was appointed as Liverpool’s head coach last year, with the Dutchman having taken over following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
His first year in charge couldn’t have gone much better though as he led the Reds to the Premier League title, despite have made virtually no changes to the squad he had inherited.
Slot has found his second season a little more difficult though, with Liverpool’s title defense having not gone according to plan so far.
The Reds find themselves eight points behind Arsenal after just 11 games, having lost seven of their last 10 games in all competitions. That’s despite the club embarking on a huge spending spree in the summer transfer window, including the record-breaking signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Although his future is not thought to be in any danger right now, some questions have been asked of Slot recently, with the Liverpool boss seemingly still searching for his best side following the influx of summer signings.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has faced some pressure after Liverpool's poor start to the season (Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to The Athletic though, Werner was glowing in his praise of Slot, and outlined why there has been so much confidence in him since he was identified as Klopp’s successor.
“With Michael [Edwards] and Richard [Hughes] on board, we had enormous confidence that they would find the right person,” Werner said.
“Arne was always their first choice, and he’s shown why that was the case. It’s a surprise to everyone that his first year went quite so wonderfully, but it’s been a source of delight.
“One of Arne’s great attributes is his authenticity. He’s not trying to be Jurgen Klopp, he’s not trying to be Pep Guardiola. He’s his own man, and he’s quite brilliant in all the things that he does.
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“I think he saw this as a great opportunity for him. He came into a club which was very strong. He inherited a squad which was enormously talented. He felt he could work with them and help improve some of their performances. He’s a wonderful strategist. He took something that was already in very good shape and moulded it to his liking.
“His humility is balanced with a real inner belief that he knows what he’s doing. I had an opportunity to watch training before the final game of the season and it was very impressive. The fact that Arne, as head coach, was able to focus solely on coaching worked well. The dynamic is good between him, Richard and Michael.”
Liverpool.com says: Slot’s job is not in any danger, and nor should it be after the job he did last season. What’s more, it’s clear that Liverpool wouldn’t rush into any decision over his future if the pressure did continue to mount.
Hopefully, the club’s new signings can start firing soon, and any doubts over Slot can be firmly put to bed.