For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the journey to Premier League glory hasn’t just been about tactics and trophies.
Behind the scenes, he’s been facing the tough challenge of living apart from his family during his debut season at Anfield.
Since joining Liverpool last summer from Feyenoord, Slot has enjoyed incredible success, leading the Reds to the Premier League title with four games still to play.
But this achievement has come with personal sacrifices, especially when it comes to family life.
Family Stays in the Netherlands to Keep Children’s Routine Intact
Slot’s wife Mirjam and their two children, Joep and Isa, have remained in the Netherlands so that the kids’ education wouldn’t be disrupted by the move.
That means the 46-year-old has been living alone in Liverpool while balancing the demands of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
This distance has meant missing out on important family moments.
Birthdays, holidays like Christmas, and even everyday time together have taken a hit because of the hectic Premier League schedule.
But despite this, Slot openly credits Mirjam for her unwavering support and the sacrifices she’s made to hold the family together.
Limited Time Together and the Impact of Rising Fame
In a recent interview with Dutch media outlet AD, Slot spoke honestly about how hard it is to be away from his loved ones for such long stretches.
He said, “Anyone who is married and has a good marriage, I think I do, would like to see the children and the wife a bit more.”
Mirjam visits Liverpool every couple of weeks for a few days, but unfortunately, their kids come even less often.
Still, the family was there to celebrate Liverpool’s title win against Tottenham last month, and they’ve also been spotted at other matches.
Slot also revealed that their daughter Isa will be moving to Liverpool for three months to study English in Manchester, which will give them more time together.
He shared that Mirjam finds the increased public attention the hardest part of their new life, especially since Slot’s profile has skyrocketed with Liverpool’s success.
“Mirjam prefers ordering takeout rather than sitting down together sometimes,” he explained, “because she feels like she’s being watched or judged.”
From Dutch Football to Global Fame
Before becoming a high-profile manager, Slot had a steady playing career solely in the Netherlands.
His reputation grew as a coach through his work at Cambuur, AZ Alkmaar, and Feyenoord, but his move to Liverpool took his fame to a whole new level.
These days, he’s often accompanied by security, and he was recently spotted at a Bruce Springsteen concert in Manchester with protection.
While this level of attention can be overwhelming, Slot insists he hasn’t changed at his core despite the spotlight.
Finding Balance Amidst the Spotlight and Celebrations
Slot has enjoyed celebrating the Premier League title in style, even spending some time in Ibiza where he was photographed enjoying himself.
Still, he admitted that the constant presence of cameras and fans affects how he behaves in public and that booking holidays isn’t as simple as it used to be five years ago.
Family Life Influenced Key Career Decisions
Interestingly, Slot’s family considerations played a big part in a major career decision two years ago.
In 2023, Tottenham made an offer to hire him, but he turned it down—mostly because of family reasons.
He shared that his children wanted to spend their holidays with friends, not just traveling with him, which made moving to London less appealing.
“I already thought going to Spurs was a big deal, because who goes from Feyenoord straight to Tottenham?” Slot reflected.
When Liverpool came calling last season, it was a completely different story.
“No one gets higher than Liverpool,” he said, making it clear that joining the Reds was a dream come true despite the challenges.