Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes rarely gives interviews but he's broken his silence following the end of the January transfer window, reiterating his stance on Arne Slot
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Richard Hughes, sporting director at Liverpool fc during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Richard Hughes has spoken about Arne Slot(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has spoken candidly about his relationship with manager Arne Slot - and is 'convinced' that their big-money signings will pay off. Hughes, 46, arrived at Anfield alongside Slot in the summer of 2024, and although their first season together was quiet on the transfer front, Liverpool made a big splash this term.
The Reds spent a record-breaking £449million on new signings while recouping half of that amount through the departure of a number of regulars. But Liverpool find themselves sixth in the Premier League table and Slot has faced fierce scrutiny amid their ailing title defence.
Opening up on his relationship with the Dutchman, former Bournemouth chief Hughes explained: "Fundamentally, there's the understanding for both parties and everyone at wide, that everything involving matchday, team selection, tactics, that's always the manager or head coach. That's their domain. It's very important not to step into that."
Hughes went on to say: "Of course we talk about football and performances but I always let Arne lead that. Naturally in a conversation I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical."
Author avatar
Author avatar
Hughes was speaking on the latest episode of The Reds Roundtable which was released the day after the January transfer window closed. He was joined by both Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan and Slot, who said: "We have spoken almost on a daily basis since we started, you get to know each other even better.
"What I really like about working for a sporting director is that whenever I need him, he is there for me. But you don't constantly feel that all the decisions you are making, he is judging them. Maybe he does but then he finds a really good way of hiding it!
"You want to have the backup when needed and advice, but you don't want two eyes on top of you constantly on every decision you make. I think Richard finds that balance really well for me to work in ideal circumstances.
"I've worked with sporting directors who are very keen on the ones they have signed and what makes Richard special is that he's not only focused on the ones he signed, he is there for Liverpool to win and not (just) for his signings to do well.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Arne Slot manager of Liverpool looks on after their sides victory during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has faced calls for the sack(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"That's something you don't always see with sporting directors. It's safe to say he has a low ego."
Hughes also discussed Liverpool's transfer business, insisting that there's always been an understanding within the club that the likes of £116million signing Florian Wirtz would need time before performing well, as he's done in recent weeks. "You have to constantly try to help people off the pitch in their adaptation," Hughes explained.
"It's normal to expect that young people coming from another country would take time to adjust to their surroundings, a different type of football than they may have been used to. So much that isn't necessarily alien but different.
"You want to be there to support them and not suffocate them with it, let them find their own feet. All these players are here for a very good reason, they are top players. Everybody has played their part in getting them to the club and we were all very happy with what we did in the summer, not just me.
Liverpool's German midfielder #07 Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Florian Wirtz is beginning to come good(Image: Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"Whether they are good, bad or indifferent in terms of signings, there's no proprietary felt in my position, it's a collective effort that helps these boys translate their form for which they have been brought to the club and be the best version of themselves.
"As long as the players are the right ones in the first place, and we are absolutely convinced every time we bring someone in that they are, then the performances on the pitch will quickly follow. (But) you have to make sure you don't focus just on the new players.
"It's a team sport and just because new people are coming in you can just suddenly leave the players who have been here for a number of years or Federico Chiesa, who has only been here for one year."