Arne Slot admits it’s ‘too soon’ to call himself a Scouser on the eve of Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph – as Reds boss reveals his family’s plans to watch Tottenham decider
Arne Slot will have his personal fan club at Anfield on Sunday as he attempts to make history by winning the Premier League in his first season with Liverpool.
Slot will be cheered on wife Mirjam, their children Joep and Isa and friends from Netherlands as his side seek the point needed against Spurs to become champions for a record-equalling 20th time.
‘It’s a holiday (King’s Day) in Holland so it was already planned that not only family members but a lot of friends will visit as well,’ said Slot.
‘But even if it wasn’t holiday time, I think my wife and children would have come for this particular game!’
The understated Dutchman has been a huge success replacing Jurgen Klopp – by being himself. And he doesn’t expect to fully lose control of his emotions if Liverpool join Manchester United as England’s most successful club.
‘I would never be the one who is probably the loudest or the weirdest in a moment like that,’ he admitted.
Arne Slot will welcome his family to Anfield to watch what could be confirmation of the title
Liverpool are looking to go level with Manchester United with 20 titles and need just one point against Tottenham
‘I enjoyed winning the Dutch league with Feyenoord but I didn’t go crazy compared to other people. It wasn’t like I ran around the stadium three times. I was just happy inside to share with the people around me and the fans.’
The only people missing at Anfield today from Slot’s inner sanctum will be his elderly parents.
Liverpool began the season as league outsiders with experts predicting a two-horse title race between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Yet, despite not making any major signings, Mo Salah-inspired Liverpool have lost only twice all season and a result today will give them an unassailable lead over second-place Arsenal.
Liverpool fans have taken managers from Bill Shankly to Klopp to their hearts.
Slot, 46, feels it is too early for him to be called an honorary Scouser even with a trophy lift.
‘If you start to work here, then quite quickly you get a certain feeling but not the same as someone who has been here forever,’ he said.
‘I’m only stood on the line for one season trying to help the team. It’s impossible to compare that to the fans who have been here for 30 or 40 years.
‘I feel part of it. But to say I am a Scouser now would be too much.’
Asked if that would change after 10 years, he smiled, ‘Who knows?’
