Arne Slot first words at Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp talks revealed and delay explained

Arne Slot has detailed his talks with Jurgen Klopp after being appointed his successor at Liverpool - but has vowed to put his own individual stamp on the Reds.

And the new Anfield head coach has explained why he has taken his time before publicly speaking after officially beginning the role at the start of the month.

Slot held an interview with the official Liverpool club website on Wednesday in which he discussed a wide range of topics having arrived from Feyenoord.

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READ MORE: Arne Slot first words at Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp talks revealed and delay explained

The 45-year-old revealed having spoken to Klopp shortly after his appointment was confirmed and that the German has declared he will now be the Dutchman's biggest fan.

But while acknowledging the support and advice, Slot has underlined the need for him to form his own opinions as he prepares for a first pre-season in charge of Liverpool at the start of next month.

"I did the same in my former clubs when I started over there," said Slot of speaking with Klopp. "But I think if someone worked at a club for nine years and been so successful, you want to know all about it from him and you also want to know things of the players – although I think it is also important to get my own opinion about that.

"So, you can only use all this information he has because he did so well, not only in terms of results but I think also everybody saw in his farewell but also in the years before that how popular he was.

"He gave me more than a few good tips but I think what stood out for me was that he was so happy for me and that – and I think he said this in the media as well – he would be my biggest fan from now on because he supports Liverpool in the best possible way, and you don't see this very often. So, it says a lot about his character, the way he handled this situation as well."

Slot emerged as Liverpool's preferred candidate to succeed Klopp due to not only his success at Feyenoord - where he won the Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup as well as leading the club to a first European final in 20 years - but also a playing style not far removed than that employed by the German.

And while admitting Klopp was an inspiration for his approach, Slot is keen to underline he is his own man when it comes to coaching.

"I think there are and I think that is also one of the reasons why I came in, because I think the way Liverpool 'scouted' me – I'm not sure if that is the right word to use – they were looking for, not the exact same type, but I think when something has been successful (with) a certain way of playing you would like to extend this or to go on with this," said Slot.

"Yeah, it is my style but I think it is the style of many modern coaches at the moment: we were all a bit inspired because of the rivalry between City and Liverpool. We were all inspired by Guardiola and Klopp and I think at a big club, which I worked in in Feyenoord as well, it is probably the only style you can play – to have the ball a lot, to have a lot of energy, and I think also now there are comparisons between the club I left behind and the club I am going to work for now.

"Both (sets of) fans love to see a team that wants to do everything to win a game and if things are tough they try to do everything to turn the game around and I think that has been done by Liverpool many times and I think that has been done by my former side Feyenoord many times as well.

"The playing style will not be completely different. But it would be strange if we would do exactly similar things, because although I'm the replacement of Jurgen Klopp, I'm not exactly similar to him. We are going to try to work on what Jurgen left behind and we will see a lot of similar things. But, of course, I bring my own things to the table as well and I think that's also what is expected of me.

"So, yeah, he has done a tremendous job over here and I am really happy with that as a fan, but now as his successor he left Liverpool in the best possible way, I think. So, a very good team, the fans are very good as well, so (I am) looking forward to it."

Slot also explained the reason behind the decision for him not to speak as new Liverpool head coach until almost three weeks into his official tenure.

"First and foremost, maybe the farewell of Jurgen, which was really special from what I saw," he said. "It was on the same day I left Feyenoord as well but I did see a few things and afterwards there was even a few more farewells from what I saw, so I think it was fair to him and to the club and to the supporters to wait a bit and then to come in.

"Apart from that, I went on holiday! But let's be clear: I don't start today, I've been in a lot of contact with staff members already – from people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard (Hughes, the new Liverpool sporting director) and me are calling each other because we have to talk.

"This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready, and we have to play in the pre-season. So, a lot of things have been done but more in the background."