Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot says it is “clear” he wants to take over at Liverpool and is “confident” the two sides can reach an agreement to facilitate such a move.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that Liverpool had an opening offer of €9million (£7.7m, $9.6m) rejected by Feyenoord for Slot after making him their preferred candidate to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp.
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Liverpool’s interest in Slot only became apparent earlier this week, as they placed emphasis on discretion and showing respect to Feyenoord ahead of last Sunday’s Dutch Cup final, a match they ultimately won against Nijmegen.
“It seems clear to me that I would like to work there,” Slot told ESPN when asked about the Liverpool job ahead of his side’s Eredivisie game against Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday evening.
“The clubs are negotiating, so I am still on hold. We are waiting for an agreement to be reached, but I am confident of that.
"Geen geheim dat ik graag naar Liverpool wil" 🔜🏴🤔
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) April 25, 2024
He later added: “Obviously it’s nice when a big club approaches you. It’s not the first time in the years I’ve been here at Feyenoord of course.
“At the same time there were still some very important matches coming up, including the cup final, so we focused fully on that first. We won that and then it got a bit more attention in the media. That’s just how it goes.”
Slot played a pivotal role in guiding Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title in 20 years last season and the 45-year-old has the team positioned second in the table with four matches remaining.
His attacking style of play and proven track record in developing young talent closely align with the criteria outlined by the club. Other candidates who were under consideration include Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen and Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.
Despite turning down a move to Tottenham Hotspur last year, Slot has no release clause in his contract, which runs until 2026.
Klopp, meanwhile, announced his departure from Liverpool in January, concluding his nine-year tenure at the end of the season.
Liverpool, though, initiated their search for a new manager back in November, with Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards, and the newly appointed sporting director, Richard Hughes, now spearheading the process after their arrivals earlier this year.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are next in action against West Ham United on Saturday.
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Arne Slot: A champion with Feyenoord and now a leading contender for Liverpool
(Maurice van Steen/AFP via Getty Images)
