Arne Slot has left Liverpool after two seasons in charge at Anfield
Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool is poised to trigger a managerial reshuffle – and Celtic supporters are revisiting the glowing praise he gave them back in 2023 with renewed curiosity.
The Dutchman has formally left Anfield following two seasons in charge, securing the Premier League title in his first campaign during 2023/24, before an underwhelming second term saw the Reds slip to fifth place.
It wasn’t the conclusion Liverpool supporters had hoped for after Slot built upon Jurgen Klopp’s enduring legacy to claim the championship two years ago, but attention now appears to be turning towards Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as his potential successor.
Reports have already emerged linking Slot with the vacant position at AC Milan. That’s another twist Celtic fans will be monitoring closely – former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, a popular choice among the Parkhead faithful for their own vacancy, is also being considered for the San Siro role.
Celtic have yet to reach a decision, with Dermot Desmond anticipated to hold discussions with Martin O’Neill before fully launching the hunt for their next manager, reports the Daily Record.
Slot, barely 12 months removed from lifting the Premier League trophy, represents another high-profile name supporters would eagerly welcome to Parkhead. Back in 2023, they witnessed his Feyenoord side first-hand – suffering a 2-0 defeat in the Netherlands at the start of a frustrating Champions League campaign that ultimately saw them finish bottom of Group E.
The two teams, both already out of contention in the competition, then met at Parkhead for the closing fixture of the season, which Celtic secured 2-1 courtesy of strikes from Luis Palma and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Ahead of that encounter, Slot, who would subsequently accept the Liverpool position half a year later, offered praise for Brendan Rodgers and his squad.
Celtic arrived following heavy setbacks against Atletico Madrid and Lazio (6-0 and 2-0 respectively) which had ended their qualification prospects.
However, Slot commented: “I think every top club always reacts after a loss. Celtic is a top club with very good players and they will react to that, especially if the stadium is full which is what I’m expecting.”
He continued: “I think, yes, I did some things from the game they played last Sunday (against Kilmarnock). But it’s more interesting for me to see how they played here against Atletico and Lazio.
“That was impressive for me. They didn’t get what they deserved.”
Other high-profile managers including Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy and even Roberto Martinez have been repeatedly mentioned in connection with the Parkhead post should O’Neill indeed stand down this summer.
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