Former Chelsea and Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been speaking about Arne Slot’s start to life at Anfield and he’s got a view on if Liverpool can win title
Arne Slot has got off to a flying start at Liverpool because he’s not your typical Dutch manager.
That’s the view of former England coach and former Chelsea and Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Liverpool are top of the Premier League after six games with five wins and just one defeat – at home to Nottingham Forest – since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield hot seat in the summer.
Slot, 46, has been able to settle into life as Reds boss easily while getting across his passing style of play despite just a short time in the job. That’s not come as a surprise to Hasselbaink.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised by the start that Arne Slot has overseen because a lot of football people in Holland, people that I know, all told me the same thing, they expected him to be a success,” said Hasselbaink.
“He’s not typically Dutch in his style. A lot of Dutch managers can struggle outside of the Netherlands, but people told me that it would be a different story for Slot.
“I don’t know him personally, but you can see what he’s trying to do after five Premier League games.
“His teams are very good on the press, and they’re very flexible tactically. He isn’t the type of manager that is afraid to make big decisions with his players and the starting eleven.”
Slot said last week he wasn’t bothered if rival teams were underestimating him in the aftermath of Arsenal’s draw at Manchester City which had many salivating at the thought of those two clubs tussling it out for the Premier League title.
But after another win at Wolves on Saturday, the Reds are looking like they are up for the fight with the two pre-season favourites.
Hasselbaink believes his fellow Dutchman is the perfect match for Liverpool and is not sure they can end what will be a five-year wait for a title when May rolls around next year.
“He’s gone in and made an impact quickly,” added the former striker, telling Genting Casino. “From the outside, everything looks good. I like the football I’ve seen from his team. It looks like the perfect match and the perfect replacement for Klopp.
“I expect Liverpool to be up there at the end of the season. I don’t think they have enough to win the title, but third place, no problem.”
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