New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already expressed his thoughts about Erik ten Hag.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has succeeded Jurgen Klopp and could face Erik ten Hag in the Premier League next season if Ten Hag remains at Manchester United.
Previously, Slot and Ten Hag competed against each other as managers of Feyenoord and Ajax respectively. Liverpool’s announcement of Slot’s appointment positions him for a potential Premier League rivalry with Ten Hag, provided the latter retains his position at United despite leading the team to their worst Premier League finish.
The pair’s rivalry dates back to the 2019/20 Eredivisie season when Slot took on his first managerial role at AZ Alkmaar. The title race between Ajax and AZ was intense until it was abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with both teams level on 56 points, separated only by goal difference.
Ten Hag subsequently secured two more Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022 before moving to Manchester United. Meanwhile, Slot transitioned from AZ to Feyenoord, where he revived the club’s dominance in Dutch football. In 2022, Slot guided Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final and last season, they won their first Eredivisie title since 2017. This term, he added the KNVB Cup to his achievements as Feyenoord finished second to PSV.
Slot now takes over at Liverpool, aiming to succeed Klopp, whose nine-year tenure has ended. Ten Hag’s future is uncertain after a disappointing season saw United miss out on Champions League qualification. If Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS opt for managerial changes, both Manchester United and Liverpool will enter new eras simultaneously.
If Ten Hag stays, he and Slot might reignite their rivalry on the Premier League sidelines next season. Slot has previously expressed his admiration for Ten Hag, particularly during Ten Hag’s successful period at United in early 2023, praising him for setting a high standard for Dutch coaches.
“Erik is doing great, which is fantastic for all Dutch trainers,” Slot remarked. “It took a long time for another great Dutch manager to emerge, and Ten Hag has certainly achieved that. The way he is praised is a positive development for me and all Dutch coaches.”
