Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp set for meeting with Liverpool reunion on cards
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The Premier League-winning managers could go head-to-head with each other for the first time in September, as both are set to become national team head coachesFormer Liverpool bosses Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot could be set to meet away from Merseyside in September.The departure of Julian Nagelsmann as Germany's head coach has paved the way for Klopp's return to management, as the 59-year-old has reportedly agreed to become the next Die Mannschaft head coach.The German FA has turned to the former Liverpool boss to steady the ship, following a third straight dismal World Cup campaign, as the nation try to re-establish themselves amongst the international elite once again.Slot, Klopp's successor at Liverpool, now seems to be once more following in the German's footsteps. Slot is reportedly staking his claim to succeed his compatriot Koeman and lead the Netherlands to their first international trophy since Euro 1988.`Slot was relieved of his duties at Anfield on May 30, bringing an end to a turbulent time on Merseyside, which saw Liverpool experience both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.Despite delivering the club's 20th league title in his debut season, a disappointing second season on Merseyside – where the team lost an unprecedented 20 games in all competitions – led to his dismissal by sporting director Richard Hughes.As such, Slot now has his sights set on international management.
Should he succeed Koeman as the Oranje's head coach, his dugout debut in the role would be against none other than Klopp's Germany.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! Klopp enthusiastically endorsed Slot as his successor in the lead-up to his departure from Merseyside, calling him a "good guy" and complimenting the Dutchman's attacking style of play.Indeed, Slot hit the ground running at Anfield in 2024, establishing the highest win rate of any manager in the club's history during his first campaign, which culminated in Liverpool's 20th league title.
After securing the Premier League title, Slot paid tribute to his predecessor, saying his success was built on Klopp's "outstanding" work laid down before him."So many moments in the season the two of us have had contact. I think he showed last season what a wonderful human being he is by introducing me," Slot said."But what mattered most is the team he left behind that was able to win the trophy." The Dutchman added: "The work Jurgen and Pep [Lijnders] did – the culture, work-rate, quality – was outstanding."Slot's second season at the helm was less successful, as the Reds were beaten 12 times in the Premier League and limped over the line to eventually secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season on May 24, six days prior to Slot's dismissal.This disappointing campaign saw Klopp reclaim top spot as the manager with the highest win percentage, boasting 62.6 per cent compared to Slot's 55.3 per cent.Both German and Dutch football seem to be at a crossroads, with neither national team currently able to count itself among the world's elite.