After Jürgen Klopp leaves Liverpool, it appears that Arne Slot will take over as manager. Richard Keys, however, has drawn comparisons between the appointment and Erik ten Hag.
Richard Keys (Image: beinSPORTS)
In an odd tirade against Arne Slot, Richard Keys asserts that Liverpool is set to commit the “same mistakes” that Manchester United did with Erik ten Hag. In addition, the former Sky Sports host asserted that Michael Edwards will play a larger role at Anfield following Jürgen Klopp’s exit.
Slot is expected to be named Liverpool’s new manager shortly. As the current Feyenoord manager gets ready to succeed the departing Klopp, a deal is anticipated to be finalized.
However, Keys is unimpressed with the appointment. The 67-year-old, who is currently employed by beIN SPORTS in Qatar, has drawn comparisons between Slot and Ten Hag, a fellow countryman whose future at Old Trafford is still up in the air following a lackluster season.
Keys wrote on his blog, “I think Liverpool are going to make the same mistakes that Utd did.” “Slot Arne ten. Really? Not in my opinion. I’m not by myself, either. Nobody I’ve spoken to who supports Liverpool isn’t completely shocked to hear that Klopp will be replaced by Ten Slot.
“All right. Give him some leeway. It’s okay; we don’t know. It might prove to be a very inspiring appointment. However, I’m not persuaded.
“Why is there a ten slot? (I know it’s not his name, but he really does look just like me). When Liverpool finally reveal their man, I promise we’ll hear everything they said about ten Hag. You won’t hear him acknowledge that he wasn’t the first option. or that ten Hag’s record in Holland was superior to his own.”
New FSG CEO of football Edwards, who rejoined the company after serving as Liverpool’s sporting director previously, oversaw Slot’s appointment. Keys thinks Edwards will continue to have a significant influence at Anfield even though Richard Hughes has been appointed to fill his former position.
“In amongst the things I’ve read about him so far was a revealing line that ten Slot will not be ‘manager’ at Anfield,” Keys said. “He will serve as the “head coach.” Why does that matter? Well, I think that’s because it solidifies Michael Edwards’ status as the “head of football.”
“Edwards left Liverpool two years ago and only recently returned. Is it any coincidence that he returns at the same time that Klopp is leaving? However, I don’t think it is. Insiders will tell you that he departed following a falling out with Klopp, who ultimately took over as Liverpool’s manager. In other words, Edwards did not win the power struggle.
Edwards never would have rejoined the team if he hadn’t been given guarantees that he would be in complete control of all football affairs. This implied that a coach, not a manager, would be his collaborator. Time will tell if he made the right choice or not.
