Liverpool is gearing up for a fresh chapter under the leadership of Arne Slot. The Dutch manager will take over the reins from the Merseyside club’s iconic boss, Jurgen Klopp, to keep their domestic domination alive. Even though glimpses of his managerial work are yet to be witnessed, Slot already has the stamp of approval from former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, who has dubbed him the ‘best technical coach,’ while giving a cold shoulder to Erik ten Hag.

Although many are skeptical of Slot’s ability to emulate Jurgen Klopp’s success, the former national team coach has full confidence in his fellow Dutchman. Speaking to Sky Sports, van Gaal said, “It’s a big job because Jurgen Klopp has done it fantastically. So he is the successor, [it] is always more difficult, but he is a good technical coach.”

The 72-year-old further notched the level of praise and tagged Slot as “the best technical coach from the Netherlands,” overlooking current Red Devils boss ten Hag. The former Barcelona boss concluded, “I think Liverpool have made a very good choice.” Though it is still too early to draw comparisons between Slot and ten Hag, van Gaal believes the new Liverpool boss will fit the Merseyside project effortlessly.

Either way, it is quite a bold claim from van Gaal. Notably, just like ten Hag, Slot also arrives at Anfield with no prior experience working in the Premier League. Yet, everyone seems to have faith in the former Feyenoord boss as Liverpool’s former star player likened Slot to a former United manager. Nevertheless, as Slot hopes to prove everyone right, ten Hag, on the other hand, will prove everyone wrong.

Erik ten Hag can shut down his critics after staying put at Manchester United

It was quite a controversial year for Manchester United as they made an 8th-place finish in the Premier League, while surprisingly clinching the FA Cup trophy from PL champions Manchester City. Yet, with the focus now on a new season, there were doubts over the future of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. However, INEOS and the board have decided to make a U-turn over the decision to sack the former Ajax man. Instead, he is reportedly being offered a contract extension.

Interestingly, sources had stated earlier that despite Edin Terzić leading Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final, the Bundesliga side was ready to offer ten Hag a job. However, Dutchman can finally begin preparations at Carrington for the upcoming season. Be that as it may, this gives Erik ten Hag a chance to prove himself, while also being able to compete with Arne Slot-led Liverpool.