Feyenoord captain 'very happy' for Arne Slot over looming Liverpool move

The Dutch coach has confirmed that talks are progressing (Picture: Getty)

Feyenoord captain Gernot Trauner says he is ‘very happy’ for manager Arne Slot as he closes in on a move to Liverpool and feels he deserves the chance to take the ‘next step’ in his career.

The Dutchman is now Liverpool’s top choice to take over the reins at Anfield from Jurgen Klopp, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

On Thursday evening, prior to Feyenoord’s 3-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles, Slot confirmed his desire to join Liverpool and expressed optimism that the clubs would agree a compensation fee.

After winning the Eredivisie title last season, and the KNVB Cup this season, Feyenoord skipper Trauner believes his manager is due a move to a bigger club and would not begrudge him joining Liverpool.

‘As a whole team we appreciate what he has done for us, how he has developed the team,’ Trauner told ESPN on Thursday evening.

‘For the time being it is not done yet, so of course we hope he stays here! But we also know that there will come a time for him to take the next step.

‘If that next step is Liverpool, no-one will blame him [for leaving]. If it happens, I will be very happy for him.’

Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow was also effusive in his praise of Slot and the job he has done at Feyenoord, saying: ‘The coach has achieved something fantastic at the club over the past three years.

Slot, left, with Feyenoord skipper Trauner, right (Picture: Getty)

‘When he came, we had a completely different philosophy – playing football from the back was not really our thing.

‘But also just the professionalism, everything about him. The entire organisation has improved a lot [under his management].’

Following Feyenoord’s win over Go Ahead Eagles, Slot provided a further update on the talks with Liverpool and urged his current club to let him leave – particularly after he snubbed a move last summer.

Speaking to NOS, he explained: ‘In the past, other members of my staff have been afforded a nice move [assistant Marino Pusic joined Shakhtar earlier this season]. Now I’m really asking for a favour, especially when you see the amounts being offered.

‘It’s a decision for the club. On the one hand, the club quite rightly wants to get a lot of money out of the deal and, on the other hand, I think there will be some gratitude from their side for the past three years.

‘A balance will have to be found in terms of the transfer fee. It depends on the management of both clubs, I’m just sketching out a scenario of how I think it should go.’

He added: ‘It is not the first that a major club has shown interest [after Tottenham approached Feyenoord last summer]. Then I made the choice to stay. That was a good choice for all parties. Now another big club has come calling. I am waiting to see how it will turn out.’

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