Arne Slot could have been heading to the Premier League long before taking the Liverpool job
Arne Slot turned down the opportunity to become Leeds United manager more than a year before accepting the Liverpool position. The Reds chief had been at the helm of Feyenoord for two seasons when the Whites made their approach.
Following Jesse Marsch’s dismissal in February 2023 after nearly 12 months in the role, Leeds made overtures to secure Slot’s services, but the Dutchman declined the move to Elland Road.
The 47-year-old became the third manager to reject the opportunity at the club, after then-West Brom chief Carlos Corberan penned fresh terms, whilst current Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was prevented from moving by his former employers, Rayo Vallecano.
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Slot described Leeds’ approach as a “compliment”, but reassured Feyenoord fans by declaring his commitment to staying in the Netherlands. “It is true that I will stay with Feyenoord, I can say that with this one. That is clear, fans do not have to be afraid,” Slot stated.
Referencing Feyenoord’s trophy prospects with just four months remaining in the campaign, he continued: “The club has been clear. It was a compliment that a club like Leeds was interested, but we are doing something great with Feyenoord. We are in a great position in the league, the cup and Europe.
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“There is no disappointment. It’s certainly not a punishment to stay here.” After Slot turned down the role, Leeds U21 manager Michael Skubala was appointed as interim manager, a position he held for two weeks before Javi Gracia took over.
However, the Spaniard’s tenure was short-lived, lasting less than three months after securing only three victories in his 12 games at the helm. Sam Allardyce was next to take on the challenge in early May, as Leeds were battling to avoid relegation.
The former West Ham and England boss couldn’t turn the tide, failing to win any of his four matches in charge. As they prepared for their return to the Championship, ex-Norwich manager Daniel Farke was handed the reins at Elland Road, a position he has held ever since.
The German guided the club back to the Premier League last season and celebrated their biggest victory of the season on Wednesday, defeating Chelsea 3-1 to halt their four-match losing run.
Meanwhile, Slot stayed with Feyenoord until the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, when he agreed to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. His first season at Liverpool couldn’t have gone better, leading the Reds to their second Premier League title in five years.
This triumph resulted in Slot being entrusted with the largest transfer budget in the club’s history, spending a whopping £450 million this past summer. With over half of that sum spent on just Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, expectations were high for Slot’s revamped squad.
However, the drastic dip in Liverpool’s performance this season was unforeseen. With six league losses already under their belt, the heat is on for the Reds’ manager as doubts over his position begin to circulate. Leeds host the Reds in their next league clash on Saturday in a match that could decide Slot’s future.
