Jurgen Klopp delivers verdict on Arne Slot as Liverpool near appointment of next manager

Jurgen Klopp would be “more than happy” if Arne Slot was confirmed as his successor at Liverpool.

The Feyenoord boss has confirmed that he wants to take charge at Anfield, revealing that “the clubs are in negotiations” as it appears increasingly likely that an agreement will be reached.

Reports suggest that a deal could be concluded in the coming days, with a compensation figure of close to £13million if Slot brings members of his staff with him.

Asked about Slot’s potential arrival in the summer, Klopp offered a positive assessment of the Dutchman’s credentials.

“What I like a lot about him, if he is the one, is that he wants to take the job,” Klopp said. “He’s desperate, let’s go for it, excited.

“I like the way his team plays football. All the things I hear about him as a guy, good guy. Some people I know know him, I don’t know him yet. Some people tell me he is a really good guy. I like that a lot.

“Good coach, good guy... if he is the solution or the man, I am more than happy. It’s not up to me, but that all sounds really good to me.”

Liverpool have lost ground in the Premier League title race after a Merseyside derby defeat in midweek, leaving them requiring significant slip-ups from Arsenal and Manchester City in the final weeks of the season.

While Klopp is unlikely to get a perfect farewell to his Liverpool reign, the German believes it could prove to be a positive for the next manager.

“Best club in the world, best job in the world,” Klopp said of the position he is stepping down from at the end of the season.

“Obviously it helps that we’re not finishing on a high, it looks like, so space for improvement. Great job, great team, fantastic people.”

On whether Liverpool do still have hope of catching Arsenal and City, Klopp added: "I cannot sit here and say they still feel us around.

“I think even Arsenal and City see it as a two-horse race. They might have to say something else publicly, but they don't expect for themselves to lose two games from now on, I don't think so.”