Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has recently made headlines with his comments about the incoming Liverpool manager, Arne Slot. This article will delve into these remarks and their implications for both clubs and managers.
Arne Slot is set to take over as Liverpool manager starting June 1, succeeding Jurgen Klopp. The Reds officially announced this appointment earlier this month, a day after Klopp’s final match in charge of the team.
Slot comes to Anfield with an impressive track record from his time managing Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. Over the past three seasons, he led Feyenoord to clinch the league title last season and secure the KNVB Cup this term by prevailing over NEC Nijmegen in the final.
Despite finishing second in Eredivisie table this season under Peter Bosz's management, trailing title winners PSV Eindhoven by seven points, Feyenoord under Slot’s leadership received significant acclaim.
Peter Bosz deserves praise for his work
Interestingly enough, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed admiration for PSV’s accomplishments this season rather than those of Feyenoord. His comments suggest that he takes issue with the praise directed towards Feyenoord under Slot’s leadership.
Ten Hag seems to believe that while Feyenoord had a successful run under Slot, it was PSV Eindhoven who truly shone during this year's Eredivisie campaign despite finishing behind them in second place.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, said:
“People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord, Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it.”
"Bosz and his staff did that top notch, but the rest of the club is also well put together. PSV Eindhoven were better than the rest by such a long distance, even so much better than Feyenoord.”
Foundation is laid for Slot at Anfield
Erik ten Hag also shared his thoughts on what awaits Arne Slot at Liverpool. He believes that compared to when he took charge at Manchester United, Slot will encounter a more favourable structure and squad at Liverpool come summer.
Erik ten Hag added:
“Jurgen and (assistant) Pep Lijnders have left behind a strong foundation, he (Slot) comes into a better position than I did at the time when I went to Manchester United from the Netherlands.”
“In terms of structure at the club, in terms of balance in the selection. Last year they (Liverpool) had a transition in the team. Then guys like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left.”
This statement could be interpreted as an acknowledgement of the strong foundation that Jurgen Klopp has left at Liverpool, which Slot can leverage to his advantage. It also subtly hints at the challenges Ten Hag faced when he took over Manchester United.
As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, it's always intriguing to observe these managerial transitions and their potential impacts on team performance. The comments from Erik ten Hag add an extra layer of intrigue as we anticipate Arne Slot's tenure at Liverpool and how it will compare with his time at Feyenoord.
