Liverpool chief shares number one reason behind Arne Slot appointment at Anfield

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes revealed in a press conference the reason behind choosing Arne Slot as the next manager.

Slot, joined by Hughes, gave his first press conference as Liverpool manager on Friday (5 July).

Hughes revealed the decision behind the appointment of Slot, who takes over at Anfield from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.

He said: "The playing style attracted us. On all the metrics, Arne's Feyenoord team came out really well - attributes we would welcome here at Liverpool.

"It depends on the players you have. This style of playing that Arne has been successful with is the most attractive to watch in my opinion. There is a duty here to play that kind of football."

Arne Slot was standout Liverpool candidate

The search for the man to replace Jurgen Klopp was a tiresome one for Liverpool fans.

Klopp announced in January (Liverpoolfc.com, 26 January) that he would leave Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Since his announcement, the club were strongly linked with appointing former Red and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso but he decided to stay in Germany (ESPN, 29 March).

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim was another candidate according to the media but there was no confirmation from either side of official talks taking place.

Slot, however, was always the preferred candidate.

According to The Athletic (20 May), Hughes immersed himself in data, video analysis and character references that identified Slot as the number one target.

In accordance with Hughes' comments, the club wanted to bring a dynamic, high energy, possession-based style of football to Anfield.

As was a proven track record of improving players and keeping them fit and available for selection.

Director of research Will Spearman developed an algorithm the club used to identify a successor.

The metrics include team performance, playing style, player development, compatibility with different type of players and to predict future outcomes and suitability.

Slot and his three-year stint at Feyenoord scored incredibly high.

Liverpool have developed a reputation as market leaders in sports data, as per Josh Williams in his book The Data Game: The Story of Liverpool FC's Analytics Revolution (25 March).

Fenway Sports Group have placed great faith in using data to drive their approach to football operations.

The data says Slot was the right man and only time will tell if that rings true.

In other Liverpool news, Alexis Mac Allister looks set to lead the Slot era at Anfield.

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