Liverpool news: Arne Slot hailed Barcelona eye ambitious Luis Diaz transfer

Slot verdict

PEC Zwolle star Bram van Polen believes Slot will be a success at Liverpool, hailing his ability to “get the best out of players”.

Slot’s final years as a player were spent at Zwolle, the Dutchman joining the coaching staff after he retired. “Slot has a lot of good qualities as a coach,” Van Polen said. “I knew even when he was still a player that he would be good.

“He knew how to get the best out of players and that proved so true once he had the chance to build his own team.”

Barcelona target Diaz

According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona are mulling a potential move for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz this summer.

The report states that Barcelona sporting director Deco is a big fan of the 27-year-old and has already held talks with Diaz’s representatives over a move. Barcelona are said to be expecting ‘tough negotiations’ from Liverpool.

When Diaz moved to Anfield in 2022, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted they were in the running for his signature. “At that time, we had just arrived at the club, but Liverpool beat us,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

Mourinho’s clash at Slot

Slot infamously clashed with former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho during his time at Feyenoord.

Speaking before his side met Mourinho’s Roma in the Europa League last season, Slot said he would rather watch Pep Guardiola’s teams than Mourinho’s. “If I watch Pep’s teams, I know I might learn a thing or two,” he said.

“There is always great detail in his attacking and attractive style.” Mourinho then hit out at Slot in the tunnel, telling him to study his teams if the Dutchman wants to win more trophies.

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