Arne Slot has landed his first role since his dismissal as Liverpool manager, joining UEFA's Technical Observer Group. The Dutchman was relieved of his duties at the conclusion of last season after an underwhelming Premier League title defence, with the Reds narrowly qualifying for Champions League football.
New role within UEFA
While awaiting his next managerial opportunity, Slot has joined the group alongside numerous well-known figures, including several with Liverpool links. UEFA states the group will analyse the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League with "stats and video assistance, enabling them to deliver detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching, which are shared among the footballing community to give a dynamic account of the state of the game."
Regarding Slot's appointment, the governing body noted: "Slot made his name at Feyenoord, reaching the UEFA Conference League final in 2022 and winning an Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup in the following two campaigns. He joined Liverpool in 2024 and immediately guided the club to their second Premier League trophy in five years before departing Anfield this summer."
Familiar faces in the group
Other figures within the consortium include former Liverpool bosses Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson, alongside ex-Reds goalkeeper David James. Former England manager Gareth Southgate and ex-Everton chief Sean Dyche are also part of the group.
Club management focus
Slot has already made his intentions clear regarding a potential return to club management. Dismissing rumours connecting him with the Netherlands position, he told Voetbal International: "That speculation is incorrect. We simply never got to that stage of the talks. At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training field with my players every day, something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team. I have a lot of respect for the national team and for the KNVB [Dutch Football Association] and can only be positive about the professional way in which the talks went that week. For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me."
The Netherlands position was ultimately filled by Spanish football icon Xavi, who penned a four-year deal running until the conclusion of the next World Cup in 2030.
