Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has revealed how Arne Slot’s empathy and understanding made a lasting impression on him during their time together at Feyenoord.
Dessers worked under Slot during the Dutch manager’s time at the Eredivisie club and believes the current Liverpool boss is not only an excellent coach but also a good person.
Speaking to vi.nl, the Rangers striker recalled an incident when Slot left him on the bench for a game against Heerenveen. Dessers admitted he was disappointed after being brought on with only 10 minutes remaining. Dessers said:
I was so disappointed that I wasn’t allowed to start. I came on with a really poor attitude because of that.
However, Slot later approached him on the team bus and calmly explained his decision. Rather than criticising the striker for his reaction, the manager told Dessers that he understood his emotions. Dessers recalled:
I’ve had managers who got angry in such a situation, but he actually said in a very normal and calm way that he understood how I felt. He also explained why he had made his choice.
The Nigerian international said the conversation helped him move past his frustration and remains one of the moments he remembers fondly from his time at Feyenoord.
There, Arne proved to me that he is not only a good manager, but also a good person.
Dessers also praised Slot for showing empathy in a sport where players often face intense pressure from fans and the media. He concluded.
The world of football is hard and sometimes unreasonable. So it’s worth its weight in gold if you have a manager who treats you normally, honestly and with understanding.
