The 67-year-old has compared Slot unfavorably to Erik ten Hag, who he’s not exactly been sending love letters to since the Dutchman arrived at Man United. The telly veteran even rebranded the soon-to-be Anfield gaffer as “Arne ten Slot” as he opened up about why he thinks Liverpool are heading for a faceplant.
“I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that Utd did,” Keys claimed in a blog. Really?
Not for me. And I’m not alone.
There isn’t a Liverpool fan that I’ve spoken to isn’t totally underwhelmed by the news ten Slot is going to replace Klopp.” He wrote: “Ok. Let’s cut him some slack.
I accept we don’t know. It could turn out to be an inspired appointment.
*Do you think Richard Keys is right about Arne Slot? Or anything?
(I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he? ).
I guarantee you we’ll hear all the same things they said about ten Hag when Liverpool finally unveil their man. What you won’t hear is an admission that he wasn’t first choice.
Or that his record in Holland isn’t even as good as ten Hag’s was.” Slot’s appointment has been overseen by Michael Edwards, who earlier this year was named Fenway Sports Group’s new chief executive of football, having left his role as Liverpool sporting director two years earlier.
And Keys has claimed it is no coincidence Edwards agreed to come back only after Klopp went public with the announcement he will leave at the end of the season. “In amongst the things I’ve read about him so far was a revealing line that ten Slot will not be ‘manager’ at Anfield,” added Keys.
“He’s going to be ‘head coach’. Well – I believe because it cements Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football’.
“Edwards has only recently returned to Liverpool after a two-year absence. Perhaps it’s just coincidence he’s back when Klopp is leaving?
But I don’t believe it is. Talk to insiders and they’ll tell you he left after a fall-out with Klopp, who ended up running Liverpool from top to bottom.
Quite simply – Edwards lost the power struggle. “There is no way Edwards would’ve returned to the club unless he had assurances about having total control of all football matters.
That meant he’d be working with a coach – not a manager. Whether he’s chosen the right one, only time will tell.”
