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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lauded Liverpool’s incoming manager Arne Slot, acknowledging his capabilities.

However, when asked whether he had reached out to congratulate the Dutch coach, ten Hag responded bluntly with a “no.”

While an official agreement for Slot to join Liverpool from Feyenoord is yet to be finalized, it is widely anticipated that the announcement of Jurgen Klopp’s replacement by the 45-year-old is imminent.

In an interview this week, Ten Hag was asked about Slot by Swedish channel Viaplay and said: “It’s fantastic for him.

It’s fantastic for Dutch football too.”

When asked whether he’d congratulated him, Ten Hag responded: “No.”

Slot, however, maintains his focus on Feyenoord but acknowledges his confidence that an anticipated move to Liverpool will materialize.

He guided Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after assuming the helm of the club in 2021.

Slot is believed to have emerged as the top candidate for Liverpool due to his attacking style of play and adeptness in player development.

“For the 25th time, I really can’t answer it,” Slot said.

“There is nothing official yet and I am sitting here with a Feyenoord emblem on my chest, so the intention is for this press conference to be about Feyenoord, but I think you will try [and ask about Liverpool] anyway.

“I still have the confidence that things will turn out well, but I really can’t give any further answers.

“If this continues, this will be an unpleasant press conference.

“I just think it’s appropriate to give all the answers to these questions at the end of the season, because I’m still busy with Feyenoord here and Liverpool are also still busy with their season.”

Across his tenures with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, Slot encountered Erik ten Hag’s Ajax four times as a manager, with each coach securing two victories apiece.

Notably, Slot’s AZ achieved a double over Ajax during the 2019/20 season.

However, Feyenoord suffered two defeats against Ajax in ‘De Klassieker’ during Ten Hag’s final year in Amsterdam before he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022.

While the prospect of renewing rivalries with Slot in England looms, speculation regarding Ten Hag’s future at United is mounting.

Nonetheless, he has downplayed the possibility of returning to Ajax this summer.

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