Arne Slot has revealed he turned down the chance to manage the Netherlands because he wants to remain in club football. Slot has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Liverpool at the end of May, barely 12 months after lifting the Premier League title.
Slot dismisses speculation over salary and contract
However, he had been in negotiations to take over the national team of his homeland after Ronald Koeman departed following the World Cup. But it was claimed that two reasons Slot would not take the role were due to the salary and contract length he was offered.
In a statement released to the Dutch publication Voetbal International, Slot dismissed the claims and explained he simply wants to return to club football.
He said: "Over the past few weeks, and particularly the past few days, various reports have appeared regarding the vacancy at the Dutch national team, suggesting that I had withdrawn from the process after lengthy negotiations, including regarding salary and contract duration."
"That speculation is incorrect. We simply never reached that stage of the talks. At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training pitch with my players every day."
"Something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team. And why I chose not to continue the talks and not to start negotiations on what a possible contract might look like."
"It would be a great honour to represent my country as national coach one day. However, this was not the right moment for me."
Slot's departure from Liverpool
A disappointing second season on Merseyside, where the team lost 20 times across all competitions, led to Slot's dismissal by the Anfield hierarchy.
But in an open letter to supporters via the ECHO following his sacking Slot insisted a new generation of talent is ready to embrace the responsibility of bringing more success to the club.
He wrote: "Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that, we should all be proud."
"This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be. But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite."
"Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond. I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead."
"The players, who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure."
"At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt."
"Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud. When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it."
Future prospects
A swift return to the Premier League with Fulham was also briefly mooted last month before Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as the replacement for Marco Silva, who joined Benfica.
Prior to joining Liverpool, Slot had led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup, while they also finished as runners-up in the Conference League.
