Richard Keys has described Arne Slot as a ‘mini-me’ of Erik ten Hag and believes the new Liverpool manager will suffer similar struggles to his Manchester United counterpart.
In a slightly bizarre tirade against the incoming Dutch coach at Anfield, the former Sky Sports presenter claimed not one Liverpool fan is excited by Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Keys also claimed Slot’s job title of ‘head coach’ as opposed to ‘manager’ is significant because it cements the authority of head of football Michael Edwards.
Slot, 45, the current manager of Feyenoord is poised to take over at Anfield when Klopp steps down in the summer after nine successful years.
Ten Hag made a positive start to life at Old Trafford after moving from Ajax in 2022 but this season has been more difficult.
‘I believe Liverpool are about to make the same mistakes that United did,’ Keys wrote on his blog.
‘Arne ten Slot. 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.
‘Ok, let’s cut him some slack. I accept we don’t know. It could turn out to be an inspired appointment. But I’m not convinced.
‘Why ten Slot? (I know that’s not his name but he’s mini-me isn’t he?). I guarantee you we’ll all hear 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.’
Keys, who now works with Qatar-based beIN Sports, goes on to say it’s ‘revealing’ Slot will be Liverpool’s ‘head coach’ instead of their manager.
‘Why is that significant? Well – I believe it cements Michael Edwards’ position as ‘head of football.’
‘Edwards only returned to Liverpool after a two-year absence. Perhaps it’s just co-incidence 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 ends up running Liverpool from top to bottom. Quite simply – Edwards lost the power struggle.
‘There’s 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.’
Klopp’s final season at Anfield has fizzled out. On for a potential Quadruple when they lifted the Carabao Cup in February, they have since exited the FA Cup and the Europa League.
Their hopes of winning a second Premier League title for Klopp appear to be over after a 2-0 loss at Everton and a 2-2 draw at West Ham last week.
Liverpool sit third in the standings, five points behind leaders Arsenal with three matches to play.
