Feyenoord coach Arne Slot is at ‘the same level as Erik ten Hag’ as Premier League outfit Leeds United weigh up a summer approach, former Netherlands international Mario Been tells Voetbal International.
There are certainly similarities between Slot and Ten Hag. And not just because both men can save a pretty penny on barber’s bills.
Slot, like his fellow Dutchman, has built up a gleaming reputation in the Eredivisie for constructing teams far greater than the sum of their parts while priding himself upon a free-flowing, attacking, possession-based style.
Ten Hag thrived at Utrecht before taking his career to a whole new level at Ajax. Slot is doing similar; graduating from AZ Alkmaar to Feyenoord and transforming a side with only one Eredivisie triumph in the 21st century into title favourites.
Leeds United like Feyenoord coach Arne Slot
“I see him at the same level as Erik ten Hag,” says Feyenoord hero Been.
Slot opted against replacing Jesse Marsch at Elland Road recently; the chance to secure his place in the Feyenoord history books too much of a temptation. Leeds, per The Mirror, have not given up hope of luring the 44-year-old to West Yorkshire with Javi Gracia’s short-term deal expiring at the end of the current campaign.
Been, however, believes Slot should wait for an opportunity further up the footballing pyramid.
“I think he should have a higher reach than Leeds,” Been adds. “He can take it a step further. He can be a little more picky.
“I think one thing will be very decisive (in deciding his future); achieving Champions League football. If Feyenoord are able to become the champions, and therefore participate in Champions League, then Arne will stay for another year.
“Then there would be so much financially possible that he can really strengthen the team.”
Feyenoord are still first in the table; three points clear of a resurgent Ajax.
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