In a bombshell first interview since his Anfield arrival, new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has vehemently denied the growing narrative that he was merely a backup option after the club's failed pursuit of Xabi Alonso.
The Dutchman pulled no punches, directly calling out what he labels as 'incorrect' issues in the media's coverage of his appointment. Slot insisted he was fully aware of the club's interest from the very beginning and was never playing second fiddle to any other candidate.
'It was never presented to me that I was some kind of fall-back option,' Slot stated emphatically. 'The people at Liverpool were very clear and decisive in their approach. They knew what they wanted, and that was me.'
His comments serve as a direct rebuttal to the widespread speculation that Liverpool's hierarchy, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, had initially prioritised Alonso. When the Bayer Leverkusen manager committed his future to the German club, the story goes, Liverpool then 'settled' for Slot.
Slot has categorically rejected this version of events, aiming to set the record straight before a ball has even been kicked in the Premier League. The former Feyenoord boss is determined to step out of Jurgen Klopp's immense shadow on his own terms, establishing his own authority from day one.
This assertive start marks a clear intent from Slot to control the narrative surrounding his reign, ensuring he is judged on his own merits rather than pre-conceived and, according to him, inaccurate notions about how he landed one of the biggest jobs in world football.
