Serie A side Bologna have already faced Liverpool in the Champions League this season and club defender Sam Beukema has now expressed his admiration for Reds boss Arne Slot.
Beukema and Bologna showed a good account of themselves at Anfield some weeks ago, even if they lost the game. The Dutchman has come leaps and bounds at the Rossoblu since last season and this has led to him becoming a key figure at the back for Vincenzo Italianoโs side.
He spoke to Cronache di Spogliatoio about Slot and his relationship with the Liverpool boss, revealing that he wanted the centre-back during his time at Feyenoord.
He said: โSlot messaged me, asking if I wanted to meet. Feyenoord is my childhood club, and I knew heโd be their next coach. After our talk, I thought, โYes, I want to join.โ But it wasnโt my head, it was my heart.โ
Speaking further about Slotโs tacticall knowledge and prowess, Beukema said: โHeโs a phenomenal coach. I remember him showing me a video from my time at Go Ahead Eagles, highlighting a chaotic play where 1 had the ball in midfield but didnโt know what to do. He told me, Youโre great at playing from the back, but in crowded situations, you lack composure.โ That really stuck with meโlโd never considered it before.โ
He praised the Dutchman as one of the best coaches around and how the Liverpool stint proves that.
โIn my opinion, heโs one of the best coaches in the Netherlands and Europe. After our Champions League game against Liverpool, he praised me and the team, saying, โItโs incredible that we โre competing at this level.โ
Beukema has previously suggested that he would be quite keen on playing under Slot at Liverpool and has also been linked with a host of other major clubs. More good performances from the centre-back can most definitely elevate his status and then, more suitors can come calling for him.
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
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