Liverpool walked away from top manager candidate due to his favourite formation

Arne Slot is set to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool for the 2024/25 season, though Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim might have been considered had he been willing to deviate from his preferred formation.

Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool after nine fruitful years, sparking speculation over potential successors. Initially, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso was favored, but he opted to stay with the Bundesliga champions.

Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim emerged as a strong candidate, yet reports suggest that Liverpool’s hesitance stemmed from Amorim’s commitment to his 3-4-3 formation.

Despite interviewing the 39-year-old, Liverpool’s management sought a coach adaptable to their current 4-3-3 system to maximize the team’s potential.

Arne Slot’s appointment as Liverpool’s new manager comes at the expense of Ruben Amorim’s missed opportunity.

The Premier League powerhouse finalized the deal with Feyenoord for Slot, agreeing to a compensation package of approximately £7.7m, with £1.7m in add-ons, according to reports from Sky Sports.

Slot, aged 45, employs a 4-2-3-1 system that closely resembles Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation, ensuring a smoother transition for the players at Liverpool.

The similarities in tactical approach and team characteristics between Slot’s teams and Klopp’s Liverpool will facilitate the adjustment process.

However, Klopp’s departure from Liverpool will undoubtedly leave a significant void, impacting both the football club and the city of Liverpool immensely.

As a monumental figure, Klopp’s legacy will endure, even as the club transitions to a new era under Slot’s leadership.