Earlier this month, FIFA’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina mused the introduction of a ‘mercy rule’ into European football. Shakhtar Donetsk must have been wishing the legendary official had introduced it in time for their UEFA Europa League last-16 second-leg tie with Feyenoord on March 16th.
There was certainly no ‘mercy’ on behalf of Arne Slot’s side. 3-0 up at half-time, the Eredivisie leaders just kept on coming. By the time the full-time whistle rang around a raucious De Kuip, Feyenoord were in ‘Seventh Heaven’. Shakhtar, in contrast, were descending into their very own footballing hell.
“I’m not surprised. I immediately noticed that Arne Slot is a special coach,” former Feyenoord ace Leroy Fer told Voetbal Primeur after his former employers equalled the all-time biggest Europa League win with that 7-1 scoreline.
“Ajax can buy many players with a lot of money. That luxury is less at Feyenoord. But with the quality they have brought in in combination with Slot’s playing style, they are doing very well. (Their form) is mainly due to the coach.”
Feyenoord coach Arne Slot still a Leeds United target
It was a performance typical of Slot’s Feyenoord. A never-ending wave of attacks. An avalanche of chances. The sort of high-intensity, possession-heavy football that will make some in West Yorkshire pining for those heady Marcelo Bielsa days.
According to The Mirror, Leeds United have not given up hope of luring Slot to Elland Road during the summer; the 44-year-old Dutchman a leading candidate to take over once Javi Gracia’s short-term deal comes to an end.
Slot rebuffed Leeds advances following the departure of Jesse Marsch, and everyone connected with Feyenoord will be very glad he did. Just three days after that Shakhtar shellacking, Lutsharel Geertruida’s 86th minute winner secured a dramatic 3-2 Der Klassiker victory over title rivals Ajax.
Feyenoord have only tasted Eredivisie glory once in the 21st century. But, following the latest in a series of late goals, the Rotterdammers are now six points clear, the sweet smell of champagne starting to fill the nostrils.
‘He should aim higher than Leeds’
“I see him at the same level as Erik ten Hag,” says Feyenoord hero Mario Been, urging one of the most underrated tacticians in Europe to stay and build a dynasty in Rotterdam.
“I think he should have a higher reach than Leeds. 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.”
If Arne Slot can build this side on a fraction of Ajax’s budget, imagine the magic he could weave with the lure of Champions League football on his side.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
