Arne Slot, the newly appointed Liverpool manager, addressed the media for the first time since succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. In his introductory press conference, Slot discussed his vision for the club, praised his predecessor, and provided insights into his backroom staff choices.

Slot, who guided Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title and a Dutch Cup during his three-year tenure, officially began his Liverpool tenure on June 1. In his interview with the club’s media, the 45-year-old Dutch manager expressed his admiration for Klopp’s work and shared his thoughts on the squad.

Among the key appointments to Slot’s backroom staff are two coaches who previously worked with him at Feyenoord. The first is Sipke Hulshoff, Slot’s trusted assistant for the past two seasons. Hulshoff, a 49-year-old Dutchman, is well-respected in the game and has experience as an assistant to Ronald Koeman with the Netherlands national team. He has worked with several of Liverpool’s Dutch stars, including Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo.

Arne Slot, the new Liverpool manager, poses during his introductory press conference.

Sipke Hulshoff

Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of last season also saw the exit of his trusted assistant managers, Pep Lijnders, and Peter Krawietz. Lijnders, in particular, played a significant role in coaching responsibilities, especially on the training pitch.

Slot has chosen to bring his own assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, to Anfield. Hulshoff has been Slot’s right-hand man for the past two seasons, and the pair have a strong working relationship. At 49, Hulshoff is highly regarded in Dutch football and has experience working with the Netherlands national team under Ronald Koeman.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s star defender, praised Hulshoff’s coaching abilities, stating: “He is very clear and tactically strong. I like the moments when he leads a training session, and I think I also speak for the group.”

Hulshoff’s resume includes some unique stops, such as managing Red Bull Ghana and Al-Arabi, but he has primarily worked as an assistant coach. His decision to step away from the Netherlands national team earlier this year demonstrates his commitment to his role at Anfield.

Slot expressed his confidence in Hulshoff, stating: “Because we work together for such a long time, I think we both know exactly what we want when it comes to game model and playing style, and I think that helps.”

Sipke Hulshoff, assistant coach to Arne Slot, during their successful tenure at Feyenoord.

Sipke Hulshoff celebrates Feyenoord’s Eredivisie title win during the 2021-22 season.

Sipke Hulshoff (left) alongside Ronald Koeman during their time with the Netherlands national team.

Ruben Peeters

Another key member of Slot’s backroom staff is Ruben Peeters, who joins Liverpool as the head of physical performance. Peeters is expected to take on many of the responsibilities previously handled by Klopp’s head of fitness and conditioning, Andreas Kornmayer.

The 32-year-old Belgian held a similar position at Feyenoord and will also fulfill some of the duties of Andreas Schlumberger, Liverpool’s former head of recovery and performance. Peeters has experience working at Genk, both at the academy and first-team levels, and completed an internship with AZ Alkmaar during the 2014-15 season.

Slot highlighted the importance of having a familiar face on his staff, stating: “Us three have worked together at Feyenoord for three years now, and we know how we want to work, which is normal.”

Liverpool is still in the process of filling several other positions, and Slot acknowledged that he is in constant communication with the club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, to ensure that the best candidates are brought on board.

Ruben Peeters, head of physical performance, is an important addition to Liverpool’s backroom staff.

Fabian Otte

Perhaps the most surprising addition to Slot’s staff is 33-year-old Fabian Otte, who will serve as the club’s new goalkeeping coach. Interestingly, Slot admitted that he did not previously know Otte, who was recommended to him by Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes.

Otte joins Liverpool from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, but his arrival at Anfield may be delayed until after the Copa America, as he is currently working with the USA national team at the tournament. He fills the role previously held by John Achterberg and will be responsible for the development of Alisson Becker and the club’s other goalkeepers.

Otte has a diverse background, having played and coached in Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, and England. He had a brief stint at non-league side Blyth Spartans and has also worked with the New Zealand women’s national team.

According to The Liverpool Echo, Otte comes highly recommended by former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and current Switzerland number one Yann Sommer, both of whom have worked with the German coach.

Fabian Otte, the new goalkeeping coach for Liverpool, previously worked at Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Fabian Otte will oversee the development of Liverpool’s goalkeepers, including Alisson Becker.

Fabian Otte, pictured with the USA national team, will join Liverpool after the Copa America.

Slot emphasized the importance of bringing in his own staff, stating: “Of course, you want to take some people with you as well because they know who you are, they know your playing style, and they can translate this to the other people in the staff as well.”

However, he also acknowledged the existing talent within the Liverpool setup, adding: “But if you go to a club like Liverpool, you can assume – and I already noticed that – that there are a lot of good people working here as well.”

Slot intends to combine the best of both worlds, implementing his own ideas while also utilizing the knowledge and experience already present within the club following Klopp’s successful nine-year tenure.