Liverpool fans eagerly await the start of Arne Slot’s first pre-season as the club’s manager. However, there may be a notable absence from his coaching staff during this crucial period. Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff could miss the start of pre-season due to his commitments with the Netherlands national team at Euro 2024.
Under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool’s pre-season preparations have been consistent over the past eight years. But with Klopp’s departure and Slot’s arrival, there will undoubtedly be a change in training methods and approach. Players will need time to adapt to Slot’s style, making this upcoming pre-season different from previous ones.
Hulshoff’s situation adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s preparations. As part of the deal that brought Slot to Anfield, Hulshoff, along with head of performance Ruben Peeters and technical advisor Etienne Reijnen, was supposed to join the coaching staff. However, Hulshoff currently serves as the assistant manager for the Netherlands national team under Ronald Koeman.
Hulshoff’s appointment in early 2023 caught the attention of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk during their first training camp together. As of now, there are no reports suggesting that Hulshoff’s status will change ahead of the Euros, which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14. This means that Slot may have to begin his tenure without his trusted assistant, who is known for his involvement in running training sessions, similar to how Pepijn Lijnders operated under Klopp.
Although Liverpool’s first friendly of pre-season is scheduled for July 26 against Real Betis during their US tour, Hulshoff’s absence would mainly impact the early preparations. The clash between his duties with the Netherlands and Liverpool’s training schedule could pose a challenge. While there is a possibility that Liverpool may not allow Hulshoff to hold two jobs simultaneously, it is more likely that Slot will manage without him in the initial weeks of pre-season before reuniting in mid-July on Merseyside.
This situation presents an opportunity for Slot to showcase his managerial skills and adaptability. It will also test the rest of the coaching staff’s ability to fill the void left by Hulshoff’s absence. While it may not be an ideal start to Slot’s tenure, the challenges faced during this pre-season could ultimately strengthen the team’s resilience and unity.
Liverpool fans can look forward to seeing how Slot’s influence and coaching style shape the team, even if his trusted assistant is temporarily absent. It will be an exciting period as new tactics and strategies are implemented, setting the tone for the upcoming season. The club’s loyal supporters will undoubtedly stand behind Slot and his coaching staff, eagerly awaiting their return ahead of the new campaign.