Arne Slot explains why he avoids his friends and family before Liverpool matches
Arne Slot has made a record-breaking start to life as Liverpool manager and the Dutch tactician's pre-match preparations are a crucial part of why he's enjoyed success during his short time at Anfield
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorArne Slot only has time for his wife and children before a Liverpool match, as he's keen to avoid distractions from friends and other relatives.
Slot, 46, has been a manager for eight years and throughout that time has been able to streamline his matchday routine in order to ensure that he produces his best possible performance before his players do the same. The Dutchman - who's won eight of his opening nine games in charge of Liverpool, breaking a club record - leads a team meeting before every match, taking his players through his and his staff's analysis of the opposition and his team's game-plan.
But before any of that, Slot starts the day at home. The former Feyenoord boss has been living alone since moving to Merseyside while his family remain in the Netherlands.
That situation presents its own challenges but at least he's able to keep focussed on the match ahead of him. In an interview with Sky Sports, Slot was asked to explain what he does in the 24 hours before kick-off.
"It's a lot about watching games of the other team and preparing my meeting," he replied. "On a game day, I always have my game-plan meeting, which we have tried to implement in the days before in training sessions as well, but then show them even more what they can expect and what we want from them.
"So, my main focus is on my meeting on a game day and to finish that off in the best possible way to prepare the team in the best possible way. Afterwards I'm quite relaxed because I think I did what I had to do until the moment the game starts, and then you have to be ready to adjust if needed.
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"But I think I'm quite focused. I prefer to be either by myself or with my kids and my wife, I don't like friends or family to come over on a game day because I'm a bit focused on the game and on the meeting I present."
Slot and his wife, Mirjam, have two children, son Joep and daughter Isa. The Liverpool boss largely keeps his family life private, although his kids joined him on the pitch after his final match in charge of Feyenoord in May.
Although the 46-year-old was given the mammoth task of replacing the legendary Jurgen Klopp, he's maintained a calm demeanour throughout his time at Anfield. Wednesday's 2-0 win at home to Bologna in the Champions League marked the Reds' fifth successive victory and they'll be hoping to make it six at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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