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Richard Hughes says that he has ‘synergy’ with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Slot was appointed Jurgen Klopp’s successor at the end of the 2023-24 season. Hughes, who arrived as sporting director in the same period, was part of the process when opting for Slot, who was relatively unheralded at Feyenoord.
In his maiden season, Slot delivered Liverpool the Premier League title. However, their defence has been poor this campaign, with the Reds sitting sixth in the Premier League table and pressure has build on Slot’s role in the Anfield hot seat.
However, speaking for the first time since Slot’s unveiling in July 2024, Hughes insists that the pair are still very much trying to ‘achieve’ success together. Speaking on a new episode of The Reds Roundtable, Hughes said: “Fundamentally, there is an understanding for both parties that everything for the match-day - selection, tactics, that’s always the head coach. That’s their domain and it’s very important not to spill into that unless, of course, we talk about football and performances. I always let Arne lead that.
“Naturally in a conversation, I will come up with an opinion, not just react to Arne’s but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical. You have to have an opinion, there was an opinion that got Arne into the position he’s in and you can’t shy away from that.
“Once you have got the right person and believe in that person, the judgment is not something that’s happening definitely not on a daily basis. You are working to achieve something together and did it help we came in at the same time? Possibly, probably. It;’s more important that we have synergy right from the first moment, understanding who he is as a football manager, how he wants to work, trying your best - it’s not always possible to put them in the best possible position to have all the tools they require.
“That’s what I feel my job is then, it’s not just a supportive role where you’re absorbing communication.
“There’s great humility about Arne and a great communicator. You can’t kid it. No ego, really high work ethic and drive and it very much fits into the club ethos.
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