Arne Slot didn't fall into Erik ten Hag trap in first Liverpool interview

The similarities between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and new Liverpool FC appointee Arne Slot are readily apparent before their first season opposite one of the Premier League's fiercest rivalries. The pair of six-foot Dutchmen also each arrived at a northern English giant after winning the Eredivisie.

But Slot's reverent tone during his first interview appearance as Liverpool manager on Wednesday serves as a marked contrast to his countryman, heaping praise upon departing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

"I think when that came to an end the new rivalry in [Europe] came because of Jurgen. He managed Liverpool and Pep [Guardiola] of course managed Manchester City," Slot said. "I think for everybody who loves football it was a fantastic era to watch the both of them getting the best out of each other. I’ve seen a lot of games of Liverpool, a lot of games of City as well, and when you live in Europe the Premier League is probably the nicest league to follow."

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Conversely, Ten Hag arrived in 2022 after Manchester United's joint-worst season in Premier League history but used his introductory press conference to announce an assault on the division's reigning giants. "I think so, yeah. Liverpool and Manchester City play fantastic football, but you will always see an era come to an end — I am looking forward to a battle with them," ten Hag said.

The former Ajax coach enjoyed a promising first season with the Red Devils, returning to the Champions League after a third-place league finish. But ten Hag's lofty projection now appears a bit bullish after United's worst-ever Premier League campaign and a group-stage exit from European soccer, his job likely spared by an FA Cup triumph last month.

Slot takes the helm after Liverpool's relatively underwhelming fifth-and-third place finishes the past two seasons, only disappointing due to the tremendous success Klopp enjoyed early in his tenure. The German manager led the Reds to their first Premier League title since the division's inception in 1992, a year after lifting the Champions League trophy, and secured Liverpool's two highest point totals in club history.

Klopp stepped away from Liverpool this offseason in good graces with the five-time European champions, citing a diminished general well-being and the best wishes for the club. But he's still been a valuable resource for Slot during his first days in charge, advising the Dutchman and offering insight on the squad.

"He gave me more than a few good tips but what stood out for me was that he was so happy for me and he said it in the media as well that he would be my biggest fan from now on because he supports Liverpool in the best possible way," Slot said. "He’s done a tremendous job over here and I’m really happy with that as a fan but now as his successor. He left Liverpool in the best possible way."