Arne Slot confirms Liverpool transfer latest in first message as new head coach

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed the club’s recruitment plans are already well underway.

The 45-year-old was officially confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor in May and began work at Anfield at the start of June after signing a three-year contract.

Klopp shocked the footballing world in January by announcing he would leave the Reds a year before his contract expired and ultimately delivered another Carabao Cup trophy before his exit.

Despite links with a number of other managers including former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso, Slot was publicly endorsed by Klopp after declaring his interest in the job.

The Dutchman will take charge of a team who finished third in the Premier League last season and went under something of a rebuild during Klopp’s final summer in charge.

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Roberto Firmino all departed, while the club brought in the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai to regenerate their options in midfield.

That, coupled with the emergence of young players in Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah and Jayden Danns has given the squad a new feel.

There have also been big changes behind the scenes. Michael Edwards has returned to the club to oversee football operations and will be joined by former Bournemouth sporting director Richard Hughes.

Speaking for the first time as head coach, Slot revealed talks with Hughes in particular have been held as the club look to plan for the season ahead.

Asked about being a ‘head coach’ over a traditional ‘manager’, Slot said: “For me, it is normal because this is the way it is in Europe and in Holland.

“I don't think there is much of a change between a head coach and a manager, it's just that by being a head coach I can go in fully to the things I would like to do.

“So, work with the team, prepare the team in the best possible way, and me and Richard are going to work together when it comes to transfers but not only the two of us – there is a big backroom staff included in this as well.

“I think for me it is the way I have worked always and it for me is the ideal way of working because I can use the most of my time by working with the team and the time that is left will probably be a bit for the family and a bit to talk with Richard about how we can strengthen the team. But we already have a really strong team.”