Assistant Arne Slot gives a cryptic answer to Liverpool’s question despite Virgil van Dijk’s claim

Arne Slot’s potential assistant at Liverpool gave a somewhat cryptic answer when asked if he would join him at Anfield.

Slot officially began his time in charge of the Reds two days ago, having been confirmed as the club’s new head coach following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman is set to bring his own backroom staff with him to Merseyside, with Klopp’s side following him out the exit door.

Ruben Peeters’ representatives have already confirmed that he will join Liverpool as the club’s new head coach of first-team physical performance after working alongside Slot at Feyenoord. 45-year-old Rotterdam assistant Sipke Hulshoff is also expected to follow him and become the new No.2 at Anfield.

READ MORE: The forgotten ace is still under contract with Liverpool after his eighth loan, although he has never played for the Reds

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp explained the truth about Liverpool’s move for Kylian Mbappe as the transfer saga came to an end

Hulshoff has resigned from his role in Holland, where he was part of Ronald Koeman’s coaching staff. The 49-year-old’s arrival at Liverpool would otherwise have been delayed by Euro 2024, which starts on June 14.

However, speaking to RTV NOF (via Omrop Fryslan) at the weekend, Hulshoff gave a cryptic answer when asked about his expected move to Liverpool.

“I can’t go into too much detail, but ultimately it’s the head coach who decides who comes in,” he said. “And the collaboration with Arne is at such a good level that his trust in me is also high and that’s great.”

Despite Hulshoff suggesting it may not yet be a done deal, Virgil van Dijk appears to have already confirmed his appointment as Slot’s assistant at Liverpool. The Reds captain told NOS: “I’m very happy for (Slot) and his family, and also for Sipke, of course, despite the fact that he won’t be (with the national team).”

Liverpool.com says: It’s a cryptic response from Hulshoff, but he’s likely keeping his cards close to his chest as Liverpool finalize the deal for him to join Slot at Anfield. It’s worth noting that the club hasn’t even made an announcement as such for Slot, with only confirmation of his appointment so far.

This could be due to the last pieces of the puzzle being ironed out with the back staff. However, it would be a shock if Hulshoff did not join Slot at Anfield.