Arne Slot's first interview: 'Klopp and Pep rivalry is my football inspiration'

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given the fans a hint of what they might expect next season, saying his football style has been inspired by the rivalry between his predecessor at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Slot left Feyenoord in the summer to replace Klopp, who spent nine years at Anfield, and the Dutchman gave his first club interview at Liverpool.

The 45-year-old insists his similar style of football to Klopp was one of the reasons why Liverpool appointed him.

"I think that is also one of the reasons why I came in, because 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 when something has been successful [with] a certain way of playing you would like to extend this or to go on with this. This is probably one of the reasons they came to me as well.

"It is my style but 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 also now there are comparisons between the club I left behind and the club I am going to work for now."

More to follow...

The making of Arne Slot: Why he is right for Liverpool

Slot replaced Klopp as Liverpool manager - but who is the man the club believe can lead them into this new era and what can they expect from this 45-year-old Dutch coach?

In conversation with those who coached Slot and those who have been coached by him, as well as colleagues on his staff, we examine the making of Liverpool's manager, exploring his tactical ideas, his man-management and his handling of the media.

Liverpool fixtures: Reds start with trip to Ipswich

Slot kicks off his Liverpool reign with a lunchtime trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on the opening Saturday of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Dutchman will then come up against compatriot Erik ten Hag when Liverpool take on arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in just his third game in charge of the club with the game currently scheduled for Saturday August 31.

Liverpool's first six 2024/25 Premier League fixtures

All fixtures subject to change.

August

17: Ipswich (a) - Kick-off 12.30pm

24: Brentford (h)

31: Manchester United (a)

September

14: Nottingham Forest (h)

21: Bournemouth (h)

28: Wolves (a)

Liverpool have easiest start

Analysis by Sky Sports Data Analyst Adam Smith:

Liverpool have the easiest opening six Premier League fixtures on paper, according to the average position of opponents' league positions last season.

The Reds' upcoming average league opponent ranked only 14.8 in the standings last term.