“Being Spursy is their nature, they bottle everything, i could have been the man to lead them to EPL title, but simple condition to appoint me, they bottle it as usual”- Arne Slot breaks silence, reveals how he’d had dominated the PL with Spurs but denied the chance with simple details left
Liverpool fans could not have imagined the level of success and transformation their team would experience under the guidance of Arne Slot. When Slot was appointed as Liverpool’s manager, few expected him to make such an immediate impact. The Dutchman, whose managerial experience was primarily confined to the Eredivisie, had previously won the league title and a KNVB Cup with Feyenoord, but he was not widely considered a household name in European football. Replacing a legendary figure like Jurgen Klopp, who has arguably been the greatest Liverpool manager of the 21st century, was always going to be a monumental task. Klopp’s storied tenure, which included multiple Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League triumphs, and an indelible impact on the club’s philosophy, left fans wondering whether Slot, with his relatively modest credentials on the international stage, could live up to such a legacy.
However, Slot has answered those doubts emphatically with his performances on the pitch. Under his leadership, Liverpool has been nothing short of exceptional. In his first 20 games in charge, the team has secured 18 victories and a draw, a run that has seen them top both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. His tactical setup and ability to extract the best out of his players have revitalized Liverpool’s style of play, making them a formidable force in English and European football. Slot has brought a refreshing approach to the squad, emphasizing fluid attacking football, while maintaining solid defensive organization, something that has often been the hallmark of Klopp’s sides. The transformation under Slot has been both quick and impressive, with fans enjoying a brand of football that is both entertaining and effective.
For Liverpool supporters, this has been a dream start. Not only is the team winning games with a high level of consistency, but they also appear to be developing a more dynamic, adaptable approach to the game that suits the modern Premier League. The level of performance under Slot has surpassed many fans’ expectations, and as the team continues to shine in both domestic and international competitions, there’s a sense of optimism and belief surrounding Anfield. But while the Reds are basking in their newfound success, Tottenham Hotspur fans may find themselves left wondering what could have been, especially given the backstory of Slot’s near-move to North London.
Back in the summer of 2023, as Tottenham Hotspur searched for a long-term replacement for Antonio Conte, Arne Slot was one of the prime candidates for the job. Following Conte’s departure, Spurs were keen to identify a manager who could bring a fresh philosophy to the club while achieving sustained success. Extensive talks were held with Slot in May 2023 after he had just guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title. His achievement of leading Feyenoord to the league crown, finishing seven points ahead of second-place PSV Eindhoven, had turned many heads in European football. It wasn’t just the title that had caught the attention of Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s chairman, but Slot’s approach to the game, his tactical flexibility, and his ability to bring out the best in his players. These qualities made him an appealing choice to lead Tottenham into a new era.
In fact, according to reports from The Athletic, Feyenoord was already preparing for the possibility of losing their manager, as it seemed increasingly likely that Slot would make the move to Tottenham. The story was so advanced that many within the football world felt that Slot’s departure from the Netherlands was all but guaranteed. Feyenoord supporters were bracing for the loss of their manager, who had become a fan favorite for his leadership and his ability to develop a team that was both tactically sound and capable of competing at the highest level in European football. Many even believed that the move to Spurs was a mere formality, and it seemed that only the official announcement was pending.
However, in a dramatic twist, Slot made an unexpected public statement that sent shockwaves through the football world. He announced that, despite the interest from Tottenham, he was committed to staying at Feyenoord. In a heartfelt message, Slot explained that while he appreciated the interest, his desire was to continue building on the success he had achieved with Feyenoord, stating, “Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year.” This sudden declaration not only surprised Tottenham but also set the stage for what would become a prolonged and somewhat dramatic managerial search for Spurs.
The situation became even more complicated when it was revealed that Tottenham had encountered difficulties negotiating with Feyenoord over a compensation package for Slot’s release. The Guardian reported that, unlike many contracts in top-flight football, Slot did not have a fixed release clause, meaning that any potential move to Spurs would require a significant financial agreement between the two clubs. Spurs, under the leadership of Levy, struggled to agree on a fee that would satisfy Feyenoord’s demands. This issue became a major stumbling block in the pursuit of Slot, and ultimately, no deal could be struck. With the clock ticking and no resolution in sight, Tottenham was forced to move on from Slot and appoint Ange Postecoglou in June 2023.
While Postecoglou has brought his own brand of football to Spurs, there’s little doubt that the Tottenham faithful are left wondering what might have happened had Slot taken the job. Postecoglou has earned praise for his work at Spurs, but Slot’s immediate success at Liverpool has only heightened the sense of what could have been. Tottenham fans, who had watched Slot’s rise at Feyenoord with growing admiration, now see him thriving at one of their biggest rivals. It’s hard not to wonder how Slot’s tactical expertise and experience could have impacted Spurs, especially given his rapid success in English football.
Slot’s achievements at Liverpool have undoubtedly stung Spurs supporters, as they now watch their former managerial target dominate the Premier League and Champions League with a club that has been able to harness his vision and skills. As Liverpool’s performances continue to impress and Slot’s reputation soars, Tottenham fans may find themselves grappling with a sense of regret and wondering if they missed out on a manager who could have turned their fortunes around in a way that Postecoglou, despite his own success, might not fully achieve.