Man United’s Ten Hag Questions Hype Around Liverpool’s Arne Slot

In a recent comment, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticized the acclaim surrounding new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, suggesting that Slot’s Feyenoord team has been overrated. Slot, who guided Feyenoord to a league title in the 2022-23 season, was appointed as Liverpool’s manager following Jurgen Klopp’s departure after a nine-year tenure.

Ten Hag, however, is skeptical of Slot’s reputation. “People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord,” he told Voetbal International. “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.”

PSV, under the guidance of Peter Bosz, clinched the league title this season, a feat that Ten Hag believes deserves more recognition. He praised Bosz and his staff for their excellent work, noting that PSV’s overall organization was superior to Feyenoord’s. “PSV Eindhoven were better than the rest by such a long distance, even so much better than Feyenoord,” he added.

Ten Hag also remarked that Slot would be inheriting a more robust team and organizational framework at Liverpool than he did at Manchester United. “Jurgen and (assistant) Pep Lijnders have left behind a strong foundation,” he said. “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.”

Despite winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, Ten Hag faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, he believes he deserves another season, citing his ability to secure trophies in both his first and second seasons. He emphasized that he has the players’ support and has demonstrated his capability to achieve results.

The upcoming seasons promise an intriguing rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, with both clubs now managed by Dutchmen. Slot will aim to make a swift impact at Anfield following Klopp’s departure, while Ten Hag seeks to build on his successes and solidify his position at Manchester United.