Jurgen Klopp believes Arne Slot is a smart choice as his successor as he told the incoming Liverpool manager: “You’re getting the best job in the world.”
Liverpool are working to finalise a compensation package with Feyenoord for the Dutch coach, who has two years remaining on his contract.
A compromise is expected to be reached with Slot having made it clear that his heart is set on taking over at Anfield.
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“I didn’t read anything but I was told that Arne said something,” Klopp said on the potential of Slot becoming his successor.
“I am not involved in the process. What I like a lot about it is if he is the one then he wants to take the job — he’s desperate, excited, let’s go for it.
“I like the way his team play football and all the things I hear about him as a guy. Some people I know, know him, I don’t know him yet. Good coach, good guy.
“If he’s the solution for the club then I am more than happy. It’s not up to me to judge but it all sounds really good to me.”
Asked what Slot would be inheriting at Anfield, Klopp added: “Best job in the world, best club in the world.
“Also it looks like I help with not leaving on a high so space for improvement, let me say it like that. Great job, great team, fantastic people. A really interesting job.”
GO DEEPER
Slot wants Liverpool job, 'confident' agreement will come
Wednesday’s defeat to Everton effectively ended Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title, but Klopp is keen to ensure his final season doesn’t just fizzle out.
Cody Gakpo will return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to West Ham United after missing the Merseyside derby to attend the birth of his son.
“Little Samuel is born. According to Cody, everything is fine. Mum well, boy well, father well and back in training yesterday,” Klopp said.
“I can’t remember ever being as disappointed and frustrated as I was after the Everton game. I blame myself 100 per cent because we were not in the mood. We lost pretty much all the decisive battles.
“I am pretty sure Arsenal and Man City now see it as a two-horse race now. But I am not in the mood to raise the white flag.
“The boys are incredible footballers and I have the job to create a situation where they can be the best version of themselves and that is where I have failed. I didn’t see any version of that in the Everton game.”
GO DEEPER
'He makes players believe in him' - Dirk Kuyt and what he learnt from Arne Slot
(Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)