Although the axe appears likely to fall on Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Frank de Boer had a nightmare spell at Crystal Palace, there’s renewed optimism that Liverpool – led by their data-driven recruitment approach – are targeting the right man in Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot, after the 45-year-old rejected English overtures last term and has since won more silverware.
Reds have first Slot offer rejected by Dutch champs
LIVERPOOL are bracing themselves for the end of their unforgettable Jurgen Klopp era at the helm and have been linked with a series of high-profile names as far as the German’s successor is concerned. However, it has since emerged that Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is their favoured managerial choice to take over this summer.
Feyenoord had the third-most goals scored (81), conceded the second-fewest (30) and emerged champions of the Dutch top-flight with a seven-point margin beyond nearest league rivals PSV Eindhoven last term – no easy achievement.
Behind all that success to end a five-year domestic drought, and an impressive attacking playstyle which accompanied it, was Arne Slot at the helm.
He, much like Xabi Alonso at newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen this season, has attracted attention aplenty across Europe after masterminding resurgence for a team expected to sell their best players every season – not overperform expectations while retaining the bulk of that same talent.
Notable names that have left since Slot’s arrival
Luis Sinisterra (Leeds, £21.3m), Tyrell Malacia (Man Utd, £12.8m), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth, £12.8m), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica, £11.1m), Danilo (Rangers, £5.1m) and ex-Ajax, Manchester City youngster Javairo Dilrosun (America, £3.9m)
Slot has drawn comparisons to two managers currently vying for Premier League honours this season in Pep Guardiola and his protege, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, given how his team target controlling possession in a similar way to the pair.
Establishing an attacking playstyle isn’t for everyone, but Slot’s intense pressing demands – much like Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal style – is likely another reason why the club’s hierarchy have pinpointed him as the German’s potential successor.
Reporting in recent days across several trusted outlets suggests it’s merely a formality dependent on whether the two clubs can agree a fair compensation fee, given interest is mutual and Slot has already previously rejected English offers.
Tottenham have been happy with Ange Postecoglou but were linked with him last summer, and the 45-year-old transformed Feyenoord having previously steered former side AZ Alkmaar to success in the coronavirus-impacted 2019-20 campaign.
Feyenoord lost to Jose Mourinho’s Roma side in the UEFA Conference League final during his first season in charge and while their core group were largely sold that subsequent summer, he built an even stronger side predicated on youth and acquired players who’ve struggled to settle elsewhere or have a point to prove.
Mexico international Santiago Gimenez (23) joined for £3.4m from Cruz Azul in the summer of 2022. After a steady first season in Europe, he’s netted 24 goals and created seven more in 40 appearances during his second campaign – showing more consistency – at a time where reliable goalscoring forwards are a hot commodity.
Slovakia international defender David Hancko (Sparta Prague, £7.1m) and Ajax academy product Quinten Timber (Utrecht, £6.3m), joined during the same window and have been two of their best performers in league play this term.
As has winger Calvin Stengs (Nice, £6m) and Luka Ivanusec (Dinamo Zagreb, £7m), both summer acquisitions who’ve earned international recalls since joining.
Barcelona and Bayern were both linked with Slot’s signature, though the former have since confirmed Xavi’s u-turn to sign a new one-year contract extension.
Thomas Tuchel has the Bavarian giants into the Champions League semifinals, and despite their inconsistent league form, some club supporters believe he too should stay – though Ralf Rangnick has this week confirmed he’s in talks to take over.
There’s never a perfect replacement, teething problems are inevitable but while many will sniff at the Netherlands not being one of Europe’s top five divisions to truly assess quality, Slot will be keen to banish those reservations with heightened expectations and scrutiny on him. Every manager worth their salt will welcome it.
Picture source: Getty Images
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