Arne Slot has announced that his move to become Liverpool’s next manager is complete.
Reports emerged on Friday that the Feyenoord boss will sign his contract imminently to replace Jurgen Klopp, following talks between the two clubs.
The Eredivisie side finish their season on Sunday at home to Excelsior, the same day that Liverpool wrap up theirs against Wolves, when both Slot and Klopp bidding farewell to their respective homes.
Slot will then succeed the German at Anfield for the new campaign.
He told his pre-game press conference: “I can confirm that I will become the coach there next season.”
Liverpool identified Slot as their preferred candidate after Xabi Alonso committed to staying at Bayer Leverkusen, while Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi were also reportedly considered.
Talks were said to be underway last month before a £9.4million agreement in principle was reached, however there have been few updates about the deal’s progress in recent days.
Slot, 45, led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season before winning this year’s Dutch Cup.
“Until now I was not thinking about this being the build up to my last match, but that starts coming now,” he said.
“At the beginning of the week you are thinking about training and those kind of things. But the feeling gets stronger now. That is why I'm a little bit late now [for the news conference], because I wanted to say goodbye to some people personally and take time for them, more than just shaking hands.
“So yeah, the feeling grows. I understand that good results help, but it is very nice to feel that people really are thinking it's a pity that I'm leaving. You can say that with words, but you can feel it if people truly think that way. That does mean a lot to me.”
