Slot says he feels “proud and special” after securing “the hardest trophy to win”
Liverpool’s title celebrations this Sunday will carry a touch of the past as former manager Jurgen Klopp is set to return to Anfield to join in the festivities. The German coach, who led the club to their historic 2020 Premier League crown but resigned last year after a nine-year stay in England, will be in attendance as Liverpool officially receive the trophy they clinched last month.
The occasion will be particularly memorable for Arne Slot, who has carved out his place in Liverpool history by steering the Reds to domestic glory in only his debut season. The Dutchman did it with Klopp’s squad, with Liverpool making no signings last summer except bringing in Federico Chiesa from Juventus for €12 million – and the Italian played only 104 minutes for Liverpool in the Premier League.
When Liverpool confirmed the title win with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham last month, Slot serenaded Klopp in front of the Anfield faithful.
Speaking ahead of the victory parade on Sunday, the Liverpool manager confirmed Klopp’s return in a characteristically understated fashion. “I’ve heard he’s there, yeah. Nice.”
He also took the opportunity to mention just how demanding the journey to the title has been.
“[I feel] proud and special, but I think proud sums it up the most,” Slot said. “After working here for a year now, I know how hard it is to win – it’s the hardest trophy to win. Because cup trophies you can, doesn’t have to be, but you can win those by a lucky draw, penalty shootout, and all of a sudden, you arrive in the final.
“But it’s always harder to win the league because it’s 38 games in a period of time where the league has never been as strong as it is. Never been so much competition even for teams to go into the Champions League.
“Never been a season when 16th and 17th in the Premier League play in a final against each other in the Europa League. That’s what makes it so hard.
“Definitely a proud moment for me, the players and also the fans. Let’s hope it will be special.”
