Ryan Gravenberch, the talented midfielder for Liverpool, is optimistic about the impact of Arne Slot taking over as manager following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2023 for a fee of £35 million, has played 38 games for the club under Klopp’s guidance.
In an interview with ESPN, Gravenberch’s father, Ryan Gravenberch senior, shared his thoughts on the managerial change and its potential benefits for his son. He expressed that while Gravenberch enjoyed playing under Klopp, Slot’s playing style is better suited to his son’s abilities. Comparing Slot’s approach to that of Manchester City and Arsenal, Gravenberch senior believes that the new manager’s tactics align more closely with the training methods at Ajax, where his son previously played.
It is important to note that these remarks were not intended as criticism towards Klopp. In fact, Gravenberch’s father spoke highly of the former manager, praising his empathy and personal interest in his son’s development. According to him, Klopp’s understanding of the challenges faced by young players transitioning to a foreign team created a positive atmosphere from the start.
Gravenberch’s father also acknowledged the support provided by fellow Dutch internationals Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk. Their guidance extended beyond football matters, offering advice on practical aspects of living in a new city, such as finding a reliable hairdresser. These seemingly small details can greatly contribute to a player’s overall comfort and adjustment when relocating abroad.
While Gravenberch had his share of ups and downs during the previous season, he demonstrated promise on multiple occasions, particularly towards the beginning and end of the campaign. With four goals to his name, his ability to drive from midfield stood out as his most impressive attribute. This skill earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, where he will contribute to his country’s efforts to secure their first major tournament victory since 1988.
The Netherlands will commence their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland on June 16, followed by matches against France and Austria. Although Gravenberch may not be a starter, his valuable contributions off the bench are expected to play a significant role in the team’s pursuit of success.