Former Eredivisie ace Hans Kraay Jr fears that Arne Slot will leave Feyenoord sooner rather than later with Premier League strugglers Leeds United big fans of the Dutch tactician, speaking to Voetbalpraat on ESPN.
In truth, it’s about time Arne Slot got the credit he deserved.
The 44-year-old transformed AZ Alkmaar into genuine title challengers back in 2020. Only the COVID-enforced shutdown denying him a history title. Slot is now repeating the trick at a Feyenoord side with just one Eredivisie crown to their name in the 21st century.
Slot is not merely a ‘results driven manager’ either. His teams play a stylish, free-flowing, possession-heavy football; the likes of Teun Koopmeiners, Marcos Senesi and Luis Sinisterra earning big-money moves after reaching a whole new level under one of Europe’s most underrated young coaches.
And, with all due respect to the likes of Feyenoord and AZ, it’s high time his talents are being noticed by those earning a living in one of Europe’s ‘major’ leagues.
Will Leeds United return for Arne Slot in the summer?
“I am very afraid that he, Arne Slot, is in his last year (at Feyenoord),” admits Kraay Jr. “I am afraid he’s going to give in after two fantastic years, and be carried out on the red carpet.”
Slot recently turned down a relegation battle at Elland Road in favour of a title fight with Feyenoord. But, according to The Mirror (12 February, page 72), Leeds have not given up on Slot just yet. They could renew their interest in the summer presuming the dreaded drop can be avoided.
“I think he will soon have the clubs to choose from,” argues two-time Eredivisie winner Aad de Mos (Soccernews). “He is competing on three fronts. (Slot) can still become a national champion, he can win the KNVB Cup, he can win the Europa League. So it is very wise that he doesn’t (leave).”
Javi Gracia could take over for a few months
According to the Daily Mail, former Watford, Valencia and Malaga coach Javi Gracia is now in contention to take over on a short-term deal until the end of the season at Leeds United.
“You better go if you have really left something behind at a club. A legacy,” adds Feyenoord winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
“You never know for sure if the opportunity will come again. That makes it hard to say no. But if you have confidence in your qualities and you dare to be patient, there will always be another chance.”
“Personally, I think Arne Slot wants to win a trophy with Feyenoord. Not everyone is driven by money. Feyenoord is a big club, but how often was there a championship to celebrate? Twice in the last 25 years, right?
“I can imagine that the coach wants to become a champion. We can also win the cup and we are still in the Europa League. So much to play for.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
