Arne Slot, sacked by Liverpool just over a month ago, has reportedly entered talks to become the new manager of the Netherlands national team following their disappointing World Cup exit. Sky Sports Germany reports that initial discussions have taken place between the 47-year-old and the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Slot's Liverpool Tenure: From Triumph to Turmoil
Slot took over at Anfield in 2024, replacing club legend Jurgen Klopp. He defied expectations by leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season, securing the Premier League trophy. However, the 2025/26 campaign proved disastrous. Despite spending over £400 million on new players, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, almost all signings flopped. Slot lost the confidence of several players, most notably star man Mohamed Salah, who ended his contract with the club early.
Liverpool were dumped out of domestic cups and Europe early, slipping to fifth in the table. Though they qualified for the Champions League, their points tally was the lowest in a decade. The club sacked Slot at the end of May, replacing him with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Netherlands Job Opens After World Cup Exit
Ronald Koeman's second spell as Netherlands manager ended after the team was beaten on penalties by Morocco in the round of 32 of the World Cup in North America. Though they topped their group, the result fell well below expectations for the former European champions and three-time World Cup finalists. Koeman's tactics came under heavy scrutiny.
Slot is one of several candidates for the role but has been the bookies' favourite since the Netherlands' exit. Other names touted include former Manchester United bosses Louis van Gaal, Erik ten Hag, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, as well as legendary striker Robin van Persie, who was sacked by Feyenoord in June.
Slot's Previous Success in the Netherlands
Prior to moving to Anfield, Slot won the Dutch Eredivisie and KNVB Cup with Feyenoord, and also reached the final of the inaugural UEFA Conference League. His domestic success makes him a strong candidate for the national team job, though the process of replacing Koeman is still in its early stages.
