Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has hailed Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot because the “greatest coach on the planet” amid stories of a potential reunion with the Dutchman at Anfield.
Kokcu joined Feyenoord’s academy in 2014 and blossomed right into a star beneath Slot, who made the Turkish midfielder his captain earlier than seeing him depart to Benfica for a payment of round €30m in 2023.
Slot moved on to Liverpool 12 months later and is believed to be eager to bolster in midfield, with quite a few stories from Portugal naming Kokcu as a major goal, though a rumoured asking value of €80m has to this point confirmed problematic.
Kokcu didn’t conceal his admiration for Slot in a latest interview with TRT Spor, admitting he wouldn’t be the participant he’s right this moment with out the Dutchman.
“Arne Slot is like my father, he made me who I’m,” Kokcu stated. “I feel he’s the perfect coach on the planet. Tactically, by way of communication…he’s the perfect.
“When he took cost of Feyenoord, I noticed a giant enhance in my efficiency within the first season. That 12 months, we reached the Convention League last, however sadly we misplaced. So I feel the efficiency was superb.
“I needed to be transferred in the summertime [of 2022] and among the massive golf equipment within the high six in England had been all for me. We had severe talks concerning the switch, however on the final minute it did not occur. The next season, Arne Slot made me staff captain and the duty elevated my efficiency much more.”
Liverpool continued to be linked with a variety of midfielders, together with Actual Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, whereas stories additionally counsel they want to bolster additional forwards amid uncertainty over the way forward for Mohamed Salah.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush has been touted as a potential goal, whereas Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is the most recent participant to be linked with a transfer to Anfield.
