What Roy Keane said when Liverpool first hired Arne Slot as manager now looks pretty ridiculous

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When Jurgen Klopp announced his Liverpool departure earlier this year, several names were linked with the job before Arne Slot signed his contract.

Both Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were both thought to be on Liverpool's shortlist, two moves that didn't happen for one reason or another.

Fortunately, Liverpool's decision to appoint Slot has been a resounding success thus far – very few at Anfield were expecting his side to be so strong, so quickly this season.

However, Slot's reds will be top on Christmas Day, and look well-positioned to keep that spot come May.

That being said, when Slot was first announced as the new Liverpool manager, some had their concerns about the former Feyenoord boss, who was making a big step up.

Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher had their doubts about Arne Slot

After 25 games in charge, Slot has an incredible win record of 84% (21 wins, three draws and one defeat).

That's a record none of Kenny Dalglish, Klopp, Bob Paisley or Rafael Benitez can get anywhere near.

Even if Slot does win the Premier League on his debut season, that percentage is likely to drop in time, but it's still a remarkable start.

That being said, speaking back in April earlier this year, Roy Keane confessed that he didn't think Slot's appointment was one to get excited about.

READ MORE: Gary Neville admits what he's got completely wrong about Arne Slot as Liverpool beat Tottenham

Speaking on 'Stick to Football', Keane simply said: "It's not exciting, is it?"

Keane was speaking to Jamie Carragher, who shared his own concerns writing for the Telegraph a few days later.

Carragher will have obviously pointed out the positives about Slot prior to his appointment too, but was expressing his concerns on this occasion.

He said: "My overriding concern is this: does Slot move to England ready to take on Guardiola for the Premier League and Champions League?

"The new Liverpool manager must say from the outset he is here to win, not just compete.

"After the Klopp years, no-one at Liverpool has any appetite to hear about transitional periods, seasons of consolidation or the 'minimum requirement' of Champions League qualification."

Of course, Slot has immediately taken up a winning mantra – a manager Carragher is now extremely happy with.

Robin van Persie saw Arne Slot’s potential at Liverpool

Robin van Persie, who knows Dutch football very well, always expected Slot to be a big success on Merseyside.

Speaking to ESPN back in May, Van Persie was asked how he thought his compatriot would cope with such a difficult challenge of replacing Klopp.

He replied: "I think very well, very well.

"How he wants to play is in line with Klopp's style of play and what they are used to there. I expect them to do very well.

"Liverpool is one of the nicer clubs in England. It is a very nice, new opportunity for him. I believe it will go very well."

READ MORE: Heung-min Son shares what he admires about Liverpool after Tottenham lose 6-3

There's no doubt that Liverpool's appointment carried an element of risk, but it's clearly been an excellent decision, a boss who's also refreshing in terms of how he interacts with the media.

A resounding success thus far, and a project that is showing no signs of slowing down.