Feyenoord coach Arne Slot rejected Tottenham Hotspur last summer and has wasted no time distancing himself from the Liverpool post after Jurgen Klopp confirmed his impending departure from the Premier League giants.
The Eredivisie-winning Dutchman knows from experience just how exhausting months of near-constant speculation can be, his name brought up on an almost daily basis as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte in North London before Ange Postecoglou got the gig in 2023.
So when the subject of Liverpool was brought up during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Arne Slot was understandably keen to avoid combining fuel with fire.
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot plays down Liverpool links
“What answer can I give that there will be no headlines about it? So next question!,” Slot quips, via Voetbal Primeur.
The former AZ Alkmaar coach guided Feyenoord to only their second domestic title of the 21st century last season, all the while instilling the ‘same’ brand of football favoured by Klopp’s long-running sparring partner Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
He put Tottenham’s interest to bed when signing a new contract at De Kuip, however, Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese admitting that Slot had held talks not only with Spurs but also with Chelsea too.
HITC Football understands that, as things stand, Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate to take over from Klopp. Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi also has admirers at Anfield, however.
Jurgen Klopp confirms Anfield exit
“I think it is incredibly impressive that (Klopp) has been so good at that level for so long, with so much energy for nine years,” Slot adds. “I see it as a special achievement that you can maintain that level for nine years with so much dedication and passion.
“Especially when you considerh ow many games we play. Let alone how many they play in England.
“As a fan, you think it’s a shame. He has given Liverpool and football fans fantastic football for years. I hope that he will not enjoy his rest for too long. It is a shame if these types of coaches are not constantly on the sidelines, because they give you a lot of fun.”
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