Arne Slot is in the race to land new job after Liverpool sacking | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Former Head Coach Arne Slot Among Leading Candidates for Netherlands Job

Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has emerged as one of the leading contenders to become the next Netherlands manager following Ronald Koeman’s resignation, with fresh reports suggesting he could face competition from Erik ten Hag for one of the highest profile roles in international football.

Following a difficult end to his time at Liverpool, Slot now finds himself strongly linked with a return to management, this time on the international stage. The vacancy comes after the Netherlands’ disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup, leaving the Dutch Football Association with a significant decision as preparations begin for the next major tournament.

Netherlands Vacancy Opens After World Cup Exit

Ronald Koeman stepped down on July 1, just one day after the Netherlands were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Morocco in the Round of 32.

Despite topping Group F with victories over Sweden and Tunisia, alongside a draw against Japan, the Oranje were unable to build on that momentum. A 1-1 draw eventually led to a penalty shootout defeat, with Morocco progressing 3-2 after spot kicks in Monterrey.

The outcome represented a disappointing conclusion to Koeman’s second spell in charge and prompted an immediate resignation. It also marked the first time the Netherlands had failed to reach the last 16 of a World Cup, increasing pressure on the KNVB to appoint the right successor.

With the search now underway, several respected names have quickly entered the conversation.

Slot Emerges as Leading Candidate

Among those attracting the strongest backing is former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.

After leaving Anfield earlier this year, Slot has remained one of the most highly regarded Dutch coaches available, making him a natural option for the national team vacancy.

Dutch football reporter Marcel van der Kraan believes the appointment would make perfect sense, telling talkSPORT:

“I think Arne Slot is very, very much up for that; he’s probably the ideal candidate. He can play his Dutch style of football, the passing, attacking style”.

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments reinforce growing expectations that Slot could return to football sooner rather than later. His coaching philosophy has long been associated with progressive, possession based football, qualities traditionally valued within the Netherlands national setup.

For Liverpool supporters, Slot’s departure closed an eventful chapter after he guided the club to the Premier League title in 2024/25 before a difficult 2025/26 campaign ultimately led to his exit. His reputation across Europe, however, remains strong.

Erik ten Hag Also Under Consideration

Slot is not the only experienced Dutch coach under consideration.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reports:

“Arne Slot and Erik Ten Hag are among the candidates for Netherlands National Team’s coach role as Koeman’s replacement.”

Erik ten Hag’s managerial career has taken several unexpected turns over the past two years. Following his dismissal by Manchester United in October 2024, he accepted the Bayer Leverkusen job the following summer after Xabi Alonso’s departure.

That appointment proved remarkably brief, with Leverkusen dismissing him after only three competitive matches.

Ten Hag described that decision as “unprecedented”.

Since then, the 55 year old has stepped away from frontline coaching, accepting a technical director position at his former club FC Twente, where he remains under contract until 2028.

Decision Could Shape Dutch Football’s Next Era

For the Netherlands, appointing the right manager is a priority following an underwhelming World Cup campaign. Slot’s attacking principles, familiarity with Dutch football and recent experience at Liverpool place him firmly among the strongest candidates, although Ten Hag’s extensive coaching background ensures he cannot be discounted.

As discussions continue, Liverpool fans will watch with interest to see whether their former head coach returns to the touchline by taking charge of his national team.