Liverpool Plays the Waiting Game: The Mystery Behind Arne Slot’s Unveiling and Press Conference Delay

Since Arne Slot officially assumed his role as Liverpool head coach on June 1, questions have arisen about his lack of public appearances.

Although Slot has been spotted around Merseyside, including Anfield and a restaurant near Ormskirk on May 23, he appears to be laying low. He has been managing early tasks and has reportedly spoken with former coach Jurgen Klopp over the phone. According to Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo, sources suggest that fans might hear from Slot for the first time in early July.

Coaching Staff

While Slot’s position is confirmed, Liverpool has yet to officially announce the arrival of his assistants, although most are expected to join him without issue. Sipke Hulshoff, Slot’s assistant at Feyenoord, is anticipated to follow him to Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk hinted at Hulshoff’s move, noting in an interview with NOS, translated by Football Oranje, “I am very happy for him (Slot) and his family. And also for Sipke (Hulshoff) of course, despite the fact that he will not be here (at the Netherlands camp).” Hulshoff recently resigned from his role as Ronald Koeman’s assistant for the Netherlands ahead of Euro 2024.

Additionally, Ruben Peeters is set to become the lead physical performance coach for the first team. This position will encompass responsibilities previously held by Andreas Kornmayer, head of fitness and conditioning, and Andreas Schlumberger, head of recovery and performance, both of whom left the club this summer.

Etienne Reijnen, an analyst and technical advisor at Feyenoord, was also expected to join Liverpool as part of the package to bring Slot and his team. However, Algemeen Dagblad reports that Reijnen is facing difficulties obtaining a work permit. Journalist Mikos Gouka noted, “The talented trainer does not yet have a work permit, which is no longer easy to obtain in England. Slot and Liverpool still want him, but there is a chance that Reijnen will remain at De Kuip (Feyenoord’s stadium).”