The 25-year-old Nunez’s selfless running will be crucial to Slot’s plan to press from the front. Nunez was pleased to hear that his new boss recognises what he can bring to the Liverpool team. He has been given time off to recover from a bitter Copa America experience which ended with him leaping into the stands to swap punches with Colombian fans after a disappointing semifinal defeat. Diogo Jota has arrived in the United States for Liverpool’s pre-season tour after being given time to rest from playing for Portugal at the Euros.
Slot can now step up a tactical plan, instructing his frontline to trigger the team’s press. However, one senior player jokingly described the Dutchman as “a madman” after being instructed to put in more hard work during the team’s time in the States. Since Slot’s appointment, Liverpool has not entered the transfer market, with the Dutchman happy for the club to wait for a player that will fit into his system to become available. Slot developed a reputation in Holland for delivering results on shoestring budgets, which was a major factor in the decision to tempt him away from Feyenoord.
In six previous seasons as a manager with Dutch clubs Cambuur, AZ Alkmaar, and Feyenoord, he hasn’t spent more than £7million on a single transfer. Instead, he focused on improving the talent he inherited and securing higher places in the table. Slot’s first full season as a coach saw him guide Cambuur to within touching distance of promotion to the Eredivisie before moving to AZ as an assistant coach. When he succeeded John van den Brom as the boss in 2019, he masterminded a shock title charge that saw the club fighting Erik ten Hag’s Ajax at the top of the table before the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Alkmaar made almost £50 million through player sales during Slot’s time at the club. In three years at Feyenoord, it was a similar pattern, with last season seeing him undertake another rebuild when Feyenoord cashed in on the transfer market, yet they still lifted the Dutch Cup. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.