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 Italiano’s 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: “Slot messaged me, asking if I wanted to meet. Feyenoord is my childhood club, and I knew he’d be their next coach. After our talk, I thought, ‘Yes, I want to join.’ But it wasn’t my head, it was my heart.”
Speaking further about Slot’s tacticall knowledge and prowess, Beukema said: “He’s 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 didn’t know what to do. He told me, You’re great at playing from the back, but in crowded situations, you lack composure.’ That really stuck with me–l’d never considered it before.”
He praised the Dutchman as one of the best coaches around and how the Liverpool stint proves that.
“In my opinion, he’s one of the best coaches in the Netherlands and Europe. After our Champions League game against Liverpool, he praised me and the team, saying, ‘It’s incredible that we ‘re competing at this level.”
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.
Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
