Daniel Sturridge is confident Liverpool will remain strong despite the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp, who led the club for nine years. Klopp’s exit marks the beginning of a new era with Arne Slot stepping in from Feyenoord as the new manager. Liverpool has also made significant changes to its backroom team, bringing back Michael Edwards and Julian Ward and adding Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as the new sporting director.
Sturridge believes that Liverpool’s “amazing” backroom team, particularly Edwards and FSG president Mike Gordon, have made a wise choice in appointing Slot. Reflecting on Klopp’s tenure, Sturridge told The Times, “He did unbelievable things… He’s going to be remembered as arguably the greatest Liverpool manager.”
Acknowledging the club’s transitional phase, Sturridge emphasized his faith in the backroom team. “New manager, players coming out of contract — it’s just that kind of time. But the backroom team is amazing. I know the Mikes [Gordon and Edwards] well. I’m sure they’ve analysed the manager they’ve brought in and will know his style marries well with the current squad, and will have their eyes on players they want to sign too. I don’t have any concerns Liverpool will slip away.”
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who faced Slot’s Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar teams while at PSV Eindhoven, also supports the new appointment. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Gakpo praised Slot’s coaching style, which he believes aligns well with Liverpool’s high-press, neat football approach under Klopp. “I think so [his style will translate to the Premier League], otherwise the club wouldn’t have appointed him,” Gakpo said, emphasizing the suitability of Slot’s tactics for the Premier League.
Overall, both Sturridge and Gakpo express strong confidence in Liverpool’s future under Slot, underscoring the strategic decisions made by the club’s leadership during this transitional period.
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