Arne Slot has been warned that he could just have just two weeks to win over Liverpool’s squad, should he be named Reds boss.
The Feyenoord manager is expected to take the Anfield hotseat to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer. Liverpool have already agreed a compensation package believed to be worth £7.7m with a further £1.7m in add-ons.
Slot is set to take on the monumental task of being the figure to continue Klopp’s work after the German’s nine-year stint at the club. Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes the first impressions that Slot leaves on the squad will go a long way in dicating whether he will be a success.
“It’s important that he gets the boys on his side,” he explained. “He needs to get their attention, get their belief as soon as possible.”
“Because if he hasn’t got that in four weeks, it isn’t going to work, maybe even less, maybe two weeks. They’re big characters.
“If he loses the dressing room in the first four weeks, it’s over. The players have to respect him and naturally they will do, they’re all good guys.
“But what I mean by respect, I mean do they believe that he can make them win, or help them to win. He needs to make them believe in the training, in the philosophy, whatever it is that he’s going to bring. The belief of how they’re going to dissect other teams. The players have to buy into everything you say, otherwise it’s over.”
Johnson remains intrigued by what Slot can offer and has plenty of faith in the returning Michael Edwards’ decision however. The ex-Premier League ace hopes the Dutch coach has learned from legend Louis van Gaal.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen many games that he’s managed, but I know he is very close to [Louis] van Gaal and people like that. So if he’s taken any leaves out of their books, like Brendan [Rodgers] did with Mourinho, then you’re learning from one of the best.
“They’ve got their eyes on him and Eddie [Michael Edwards] the sporting director knows exactly what he’s doing. And he’s a big fan of Van Gaal, so I’m sure that’s where the interest has come from.
“Liverpool make these signings and they usually get it right. It’s a tough job for him to go into and it’s a totally different league, but he’s going to inherit a fantastic team. So let’s see what he can do if he is the right man.”
