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    Arne Slot to become new Liverpool manager as £9.4m deal agreed for Feyenoord boss to replace Jurgen Klopp

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    ARNE SLOT is poised to be confirmed as Liverpool’s next manager after a compensation deal with Feyenoord of £9.4million was agreed in principle.The Dutchman, 45, is set to succeed outgoing Anfield legend Jurgen Klopp at the end of the Eredivisie season in mid-May.Arne Slot is heading for Liverpool in MayCredit: GettyJurgen Klopp has announced he is leaving Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyNegotiations with Holland giants Feyenoord are understood to have been finalised for £7.7million plus £1.7m in add-ons.The compensation deal, which could reach up to £9.4million, was agreed on Friday evening.Liverpool are also reportedly adding moves for Slot’s right-hand man Sipke Hulshoff, who has spent time with the Holland national team.The Reds are also keen to poach Feyenoord’s head of performance Ruben Peeters and analyst Etienne Reijnen.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSAnd it’s also been reported that Slot’s contract details at Liverpool have been sorted out.His incoming appointment is expected to be confirmed within days.Klopp, 56, revealed in January he would end his nine-year Anfield reign once the campaign was over.He guided Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2019 and the Prem title the following year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Wednesday’s 2-0 loss at Everton left the Reds third in the table – three points off leaders Arsenal and two behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand.Klopp said of Slot’s expected arrival: “I’m not involved in the process, just to clarify that.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.
    Manager Arne Slot, 45
    Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.
    A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.
    Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49
    Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.
    He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.
    Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31
    A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. 
    The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.
    Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37
    Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.
    In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot.

    Who is Arne Slot?”What I like a lot about it, if he is the one, is that he really wants to take the job. He is desperate. So ‘come on, let’s go for it’. Excited.”I like the way his team plays football, definitely. “All the things I hear about him – some people I know know him, I don’t know him yet – but some people tell me that he’s a really good guy, and I like that a lot.It’s the best job in the world, best club in the worldJurgen Klopp”So, good coach, good guy, looking forward for the club. If he’s the solution, or the man, then I’m more than happy.”It’s not up to me to judge these things but it all sounds really good to me.”It’s the best job in the world, best club in the world. Obviously now, I help even by not finishing on a high – it looks like – so there’s space for improvement.”It’s great job, fantastic people. He would take a really interesting job.”Slot was a solid, goalscoring midfielder during 18 years as a player.He notched 50 goals in 164 games in a seven-year stint at first club Zwolle.Then came five years with NAC Breda and a spell with Sparta Rotterdam from 2007-10 before he returned to Zwolle to finish his playing career. Not surprisingly, it was at Zwolle where Slot turned to coaching after he retired on the pitch in 2013.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

    He then bossed Dutch second-tier club Cambur in 2016-17 and took the Alkmaar job two years later.Slot then landed one of the top jobs in Holland football when Feyenoord came calling in December 2020.Now he is expected to head to Liverpool after the Dutch domestic campaign finishes on May 19.The news comes 24 hours after Sky Sports journalist Gary Cotterill was grabbed and held away from the former AZ Alkmaar chief when he tried to question him over the move.READ MORE SUN STORIESCotterill was blocked off by a member of the manager’s entourage.Slot smiled at the time but was unwilling to divulge any details.What they have said about Arne Slot
    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

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      Premier League clubs ‘in talks to enter shock new competition’ just days after FA Cup replays scrapped

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      “RIDICULOUS” plans for a new competition after FA Cup replays were scrapped have angered fans.The Premier League are reportedly in talks over a format involving 16 of their Under-21 teams and 16 National League sides.The FA Cup will lose replays but the National League could yet face fixture congestion via another competitionCredit: PASheffield United boss Chris Wilder blasted the axing of FA Cup replaysCredit: GettySupporters blasted the suggestion – having already joined many clubs and managers from the Prem down in slating the FA for ditching FA Cup replays from next season.But the idea of a new 32-team event might be the reason the National League shocked lovers of grassroots football by BACKING the replay axe.That’s because the fifth tier could profit financially from the plan for an EFL Trophy-style competition, as revealed by the The Athletic.It would see four regional groups of eight teams, with the National League teams playing the U-21 sides at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s understood the host NL clubs would keep all the gate money plus half the prize money.The rest of the cash would be split between the eight NL teams not competing in the tournament, as well as all the NL North and NL South sides – meaning 56 clubs in all.The National League’s top 16 teams would take part – with the two clubs promoted from there into the EFL replaced by the two relegated sides going in the opposite direction.The Athletic’s Matt Slater posted on X: “When is fixture congestion OK? A: When it’s subsidised by the PL.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd most fans appeared to agree with his withering reaction.One wrote: “This is ridiculous. No one wants u21 sides in the EFL trophy. The national league boss wants less fixture congestion. So why is this needed? Keep FA cup replays.”Another argued: “What a ridiculous idea. So they now want to ruin the FA Cup AND the FA Trophy? This is appalling.”Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionAnd a third said: “How can the National League look at this year’s fixture congestion and think the answer is more games?”However, one supporter posted: “I am no doubt in a minority but I do enjoy the more unusual competitions, including the EFL Trophy.”Cheap tickets, lots of games, get to play teams you wouldn’t normally. Random nature of it with teams not chasing promotion means unlikely teams make the last stages too.” More

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      I was referee when Arsenal won the title at Tottenham, we got kept in the stadium for two hours afterwards

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      I CANNOT believe it’s been 20 years since Arsenal last won the Premier League.I was the referee when Arsene Wenger’s side clinched the 2004 title against bitter rivals Spurs in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.Arsenal last won the league 20 years agoCredit: Times Newspapers LtdArsene Wenger guided the Gunners to a never repeated Invincibles crownCredit: Getty – ContributorMark Halsey was the referee when Arsenal won the Prem at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty Images – GettyArsenal went on to become Invincibles but I’m really surprised they haven’t got their hands on the league trophy again.They were a great team. I love football, I’m a football fan aside from being an ex-ref and everyone can only admire the football they played under Wenger.I was so focused on my own game that I probably didn’t appreciate just how superb they were at the time.It’s only watching back replays of old matches on TV that you fully take in their formidable attacking play, speed and movement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThierry Henry was electric, Dennis Bergkamp was classy but Patrick Vieira was a maestro in midfield and the Arsenal captain always showed me great respect. That led to a good rapport between us on the field.He appreciated I had empathy for the game and he said he loved it when I refereed Arsenal for that reason.On that boiling hot day in April 2004, Arsenal had one hand on the title and were 2-1 up and seconds away from winning the league.Then Jens Lehmann pushed Robbie Keane at a corner with the ball still on its way into the penalty box and I pointed to the spot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGerman goalkeeper Lehmann was always liable to do something silly and he left me with no option but to award a pen. I cautioned both players as they squared up before Keane slotted home the penalty.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyArsenal’s players calmed down quickly and then celebrated winning the title after I blew the full-time whistle.I remember we were kept inside the ground for a couple of hours by the matchday police commander and safety officer as it all kicked off outside the stadium.My team of officials went up to the lounge and had to hang around until peace was restored.Michael Oliver is in charge of the North London derby on Sunday and he’s the right man for this high-profile occasion.There will be tension on and off the pitch, it’s a must-win game for both teams – Arsenal gunning for the title and Spurs chasing a Champions League spot – so it will be intense for players and fans on top of the fierce rivalry.Oliver is our top referee, he’s sensible and has the skills to manage the match but he’ll have to be focused throughout and use all of his vast experience to stay in control of a volatile atmosphere. More

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      Liverpool should call in England legend for special coaching sessions with Darwin Nunez, claims Troy Deeney

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      IF I was Jurgen Klopp — or his likely successor, Arne Slot — I’d be on the phone to Michael Owen asking if he’d come in for sessions with Darwin Nunez.The Uruguayan has every physical attribute needed to be a world-class striker but just needs to discover a cool head in front of goal.Troy Deeney believes Darwin Nunez could learn from a coach like Michael OwenCredit: APNunez has missed more big chances than any other player in Europe’s top five leaguesCredit: GettyNunez has missed more big chances than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues — and if he’d scored a few more of them it might have been the difference between Liverpool winning the title or not.He’s not the only Liverpool player guilty of missing a lot of chances.Mo Salah, who seems to have switched off and mentally left Anfield already, has squandered plenty too.I’d persevere with Nunez, as composure in front of goal can be learnt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe needs something of a split personality, showing aggression outside the box, then switching to cool-headed predator mode to take his chances.Former Reds striker Owen is one of the coolest finishers I’ve ever seen — and that’s why I’d give him a ring.Nunez has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season but has also hit the woodwork nine times in the Prem – four more than any other player.Liverpool will hope Slot is the man to get Nunez firing with the Dutchman poised to be confirmed as Klopp’s successor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNegotiations with Holland giants Feyenoord are understood to have been finalised.Slot won the Eredivisie last season and won the KNVB Cup last week.Brutal Van Dijk says ‘everyone has to look in the mirror’ and questions whether team-mates ‘really want to win league’ More

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      Mikel Arteta calls Arsene Wenger for help as Arsenal look to get over line in Premier League title race

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      MIKEL ARTETA has picked the brains of Invincibles boss Arsene Wenger in a bid to end Arsenal’s title drought.Twenty years ago this week, Wenger’s Gunners won their last Premier League trophy away at Spurs, ending the 2003-04 campaign unbeaten.Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal to their previous Prem title in 2003/04Credit: AFP – GettyMikel Arteta has called on the legendary boss’ experienceCredit: ReutersAsked if he had contacted the Frenchman, 74, for title-winning advice, Arteta said: “I have spoken to him a few times. There were certain topics about how they won it and the latter stages.“He used to talk about that when I was a player. It is always there in the hard drive.“For this time of the season, at the end it is about finding a way to win the game. And that is it.“You can do it in various ways, when you look at how [Wenger’s Arsenal] won the titles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“How they won certain games with very, very, very close margins.“He always talked about that and who is going to step up on the occasion to make it happen.”Arteta’s side go to Tottenham on Sunday, knowing victory will keep them top with three league games remaining.The Spaniard played under Wenger at the Emirates from 2011 to 2016, before filling the Gunners’ managerial hot-seat in December 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal can win their remaining four Prem outings this term and still NOT be crowned champions, with Manchester City currently one point behind with a game in hand.Liverpool are three points adrift of top spot after losing 2-0 to local rivals Everton.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerYet Arteta is not convinced it is now a two-horse race, adding: “This league is tremendously demanding and there can be still a lot of turns.“We know what we have to do to win this league.“We have to perform the best possible way and win our matches and wait to see what happens.” More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals bizarre bedtime routine as Man Utd fans claim club legend is still suffering ‘Fergie PTSD’

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      WAYNE ROONEY has blown away Alex Ferguson as the main man with a hairdryer – after revealing an astonishing bed-time habit.The former England skipper admits he is an unusual kipper – as he always sleeps with a HAIRDRYER switched on close by him.Wayne Rooney sleeps with a hairdryer and two fans blowing cold airCredit: RexAlex Ferguson had a cheaper version of the hairdryerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere’s no doubt Rooney is struggling to match his legendary ex-Manchester United boss Fergie in the dugout.But it’s not a load of hot air to say he can beat the fiery Scotsman at his own game by creating an electric atmosphere in a less heated way.Fergie famously dished out the “hairdryer treatment” – blasting his United players at half-time if ever they were struggling.But Rooney takes his own, far more expensive version to the opposite extreme  – as he only uses COLD air!READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Birmingham chief explained his oddball routine between the sheets while playing FIFA Pro Clubs with streamers Girth N Turf.Speaking on the Twitch stream, the 38-year-old said: ‘If I’m in bed on my own, I sleep with the hairdryer on.. the whole night.”I have it on cold. On my kids’ lives, I sleep with the hairdryer on and it’s in the bed right next to me blowing on my head.”I’ve got two fans next to my bed as well.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRooney’s relationship with Treble-winning Ferguson blew hot and cold towards the end of the Evertonian’s 13 years at Old Trafford.And the former striker’s in-game team-mates, such as Angry Ginge and Pieface, joked that his strange bed-time requirement suggests he’s suffering from “PTSD of Fergie shouting at you”.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBut after spluttering spells in charge of Derby, DC United and Birmingham, Rooney still hopes he can awaken his managerial dreams.Meanwhile, he’s tipped to become a BBC pundit at Euro 2024 this summer – despite missing his Match of the Day debut two weeks ago. More

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      Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twins

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      JAMES MADDISON has opened up on his three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to his newborn twins.The father of three, who moved to Spurs from Leicester for £45million last summer, was flying before he ruptured his ankle ligaments against Chelsea in November.James Maddison had twins last JulyCredit: InstagramMaddison with partner Kennedy AlexaCredit: InstagramMaddison, 27, returned at the end of January but the Tottenham playmaker has failed to hit the heights of his early season form as he prepares for Sunday’s North London derby with Prem leaders Arsenal.Maddison said: “Physically it was tough because I ruptured the ligaments in my ankle which affected everything in my life.“You’re on crutches, you’re in a boot, you can’t get around the house, you can’t really be a dad.”Maddison and partner Kennedy Alexa are parents to three kids, Leo, 2, and twins Delilah and Rome, who were born last July.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Three Lions star, who aims to end the season on a major high by securing Champions League football at Spurs and Euro 2024 success with England, admitted the injury blow impacted on his personal life as he took his frustration out on his loved ones.At the time, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou revealed Maddison’s injury was “worse than first thought” and that led to “grouchy” and “snappy” moods.Maddison, who took part in the Boots Online Doctor YouTube series in collaboration with Sky Sports, added: “I often found when I was injured, I was getting very frustrated with not being back quicker.“It would almost creep into my personal life a little bit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I was probably a bit more grouchy and snappy, just even with my partner and my mum and dad.“It creeps in without you even realising it. So talking and getting stuff off my chest helps.”Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyMaddison’s Spurs return to action for the first time since their 4-0 hammering at Newcastle a fortnight ago and will be hell-bent on trying to stop Arsenal lifting a first league title since 2003-04’s Invincibles.But the former Leicester midfielder says he can deal with footballing setbacks due to the stable environment around him.Maddison, who has scored four goals in 27 appearances for club and country this term, said: “I’m very fortunate. I’ve got a brilliant network around me. My parents, my partner, my best friends, my agent.“Everything I’ve had since day one. I’ve never changed.“I’m very fortunate because not everyone has that. “My message to others would be to seek the person you can get stuff off your chest and be completely 100 per cent honest with because it definitely does help.”James Maddison admits injury problems impacted his personal lifeCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘leaning towards KEEPING Ten Hag’ as Man Utd have ‘too many other issues to sort out’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is leaning towards keeping Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to reports.The Dutchman has come under fire this season with United set to miss out on the Champions League.Manchester United could keep Erik ten Hag beyond the summerCredit: AlamyHe has reached the FA Cup final for a second successive year but bad results and a lack of progression on the pitch have led questions to be raised.United have reportedly been considering options to replace Ten Hag but sources close to Ratcliffe and his team believe the new owner may choose to keep him in post, report ESPN.Keeping Ten Hag could prove to be a cheaper option with the manager’s wages set to be cut if he fails to qualify for the Champions League.But United are considering their options by preparing alternative managerial targets if they decide to sack Ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever there are few stand-out names at present with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also fighting for top targets.And one of United’s preferred choices, Gareth Southgate, could still be in charge of England by July, when pre-season begins.The Red Devils have also been linked with former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, who has led Bayern to the Champions League semi-final.While Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also of interest but could join in a coaching capacity.Most read in FootballPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrighton manager Robert De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are the other names linked.Ten Hag could return to former club Ajax if he is sacked with the Dutch giants keen to re-united with the 54-year-old.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man United More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League manager, 45, out to avoid relegation to League One as he says ‘adversity is in the blood’

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      GARRY MONK is ready to stare down adversity again with his Cambridge side needing a point to guarantee survival.Monk bossed Swansea in the Premier League and then took charge at a series of Championship teams including Leeds and Middlesbrough.Garry Monk is hoping to save Cambridge from relegationCredit: AlamyBut he spent more than three years out of football management after getting the sack at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020.Monk finally returned in early March as Cambridge’s head coach, tasked with preserving the club’s League One status.They were thrashed 6-0 at Lincoln and 4-0 at Reading in his first two away games at the helm.But he has since stabilised the U’s, who will definitely beat the drop if they draw at Port Vale tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMonk knows what it takes to stay up via the final fixture, having masterminded Birmingham’s 3-1 victory over Fulham in 2018.Monk, 45, said: “Adversity’s in the blood. I kind of like adversity. I’ve faced a lot of it in my career, and as a person in my life. My mentality is always really strong with it.“I’m looking forward to the game and the players should be looking forward to it. “I know there’s a big, huge responsibility and an outcome that’s needed from it, but you have to enjoy these moments as well.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarry Monk’s managerial record
      Swansea: Played 77, Won 28, Drew 17, Lost 32.
      Leeds: Played 53, Won 25, Drew 11, Lost 17.
      Middlesbrough: Played 26, Won 12, Drew 5, Lost 9.
      Birmingham: Played 59, Won 19, Drew 20, Lost 20.
      Sheffield Wednesday: Played 58, Won 18, Drew 15, Lost 25.
      Cambridge: Played 10, Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 5.

      “Yes I’d rather be at the other end of the table fighting, but sometimes you face these situations.“It’s the character and belief you have in yourself and in each other that will come shining through. I’m pretty confident that will come through in the players on Saturday.”Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysMonk has been impressed with the spirit and determination demonstrated by the Cambridge’s squad in their quest for safety.He added: “Often in these situations, there’s a lot of fracture and discontent that you have to try and manage.“But I feel lucky that I haven’t had to do too much of that work. It hasn’t been any of that – it’s just more an enhancement of confidence and belief.“Even the Reading and Lincoln games, there wasn’t like you had a fractured group. “It was just two games where we did poor, but it wasn’t for a lack of wanting to do the right thing or anything else. It was very early days and new.“But since Reading I think they’ve done exceptionally well. They’ve shown what they’re about, showed all the ingredients that you’d want in this type of situation. One more huge effort and we can get the job done.”Despite Cambridge’s precarious position, Monk has relished being back involved in club life.He said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed it. I’ve had a lot of support. Not just the players and the staff, but from around. The fan base, the ownership and the directors – I’ve just had a lot of support. And that’s quite nice.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s not been at every club you have that type of support. I think when you get that kind of support, outside of just being professional, you are kind of more desperate to give them what they want, because they’re good people at the club and around the club.“So you feel a bit more emotionally attached to what you want to give them and how important it is for everyone.”Bottom of the League One table going into the final day More