Jürgen Klopp spoke complimentary about Arne Slot on Friday. At the preliminary press conference leading up to the league match against West Ham United, the Liverpool manager was asked about his intended successor. “If it becomes Slot, I'm happy with that,” Klopp said, among other things.

Klopp will leave after nine years as Liverpool manager after this season. He's going to take a sabbatical, which means he has to the Reds looking for a successor.

It looks like that will be Lock. On Thursday, the Feyenoord coach indicated that he would like a move to Liverpool and that he expects both clubs to reach an agreement.

Klopp briefly commented on Slot at the press conference on Friday. “This is the best course and the best club in the world, with the best people. If it becomes Slot, I'll be happy with that. I enjoy the way his team plays and the things I hear about him as a person. He is a good trainer.”

Klopp does not seem likely to end his final season at Liverpool with the league title. On Wednesday they suffered a defeat at rival Everton (2-0), meaning they are now three points behind leader Arsenal.

Still, Liverpool will try to keep doing what they have to do: win. First of all next Saturday, against West Ham. Klopp will again have Cody Gakpo at his disposal, who became a father this week.

“Little Samuel is born,” said Klopp. “I don't know exactly when, but according to Cody everything is going well, with the mother, son and father. He has been training again since yesterday (Thursday, ed.).”

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