Slot Confident Ten Hag Will Bounce Back to a Big Club
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed confidence that Erik ten Hag, recently dismissed by Manchester United, would soon find his way back to a top-level club despite the challenges he faced at Old Trafford. Ten Hag's two-year tenure at United ended after a difficult season, with the team sitting at a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League table. His final game was a 2-1 defeat against West Ham, which sealed his fate as United's board decided to seek new leadership.
Slot, who is in his inaugural season as Liverpool's manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, showed solidarity with his compatriot. During a press conference ahead of Liverpool's League Cup match against Brighton, Slot acknowledged the hardships of the profession and expressed empathy for Ten Hag’s situation. "He's a Dutch manager, which makes it even harder for me," Slot remarked, reflecting the sense of national pride and camaraderie. "Thoughts are with him. We are all in this job, so we know it can happen."
Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by both achievements and setbacks. After an impressive spell with Ajax, where he gained widespread recognition for his tactical acumen and success in European competitions, Ten Hag took the United job with high expectations. He managed to secure two trophies—the League Cup and the FA Cup—during his time at United, showing glimpses of his potential to lead a big club. However, the team’s inconsistency and struggles this season overshadowed those accomplishments, leading to mounting pressure and ultimately, his exit.
Slot, whose Liverpool side added to that pressure with a commanding 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford in September, underscored his belief that Ten Hag would soon return to high-level coaching. "I know him a little bit and I know how much work he puts into it," Slot continued. "For him, it's, of course, a pity. But we also know how well he did at Ajax and that he won two trophies over here."
This show of support from Slot, especially amid the traditional Liverpool-United rivalry, reflects the mutual respect that exists among managers who understand the volatile nature of football management. Slot’s words highlight a recognition of Ten Hag's skill and dedication, suggesting that a manager of his caliber will likely have opportunities to lead at the top level once again. As Slot concluded confidently, "I think we'll see him at a big club again."
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