Arne Slot, sacked by Liverpool just over a month ago, has reportedly entered talks to become the new manager of the Netherlands national team following their disappointing World Cup exit. Sky Sports Germany reports that initial discussions have taken place between the 47-year-old and the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Slot's Liverpool tenure: from title triumph to sack
Slot replaced club legend Jurgen Klopp in 2024 and defied expectations by leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season. The Reds cruised to the Premier League crown, but their fortunes reversed dramatically in the 2025/26 campaign. Despite spending over £400 million on new players, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, most signings flopped. Slot lost the confidence of key players, most notably star man Mohamed Salah, who ended his contract with the club early. Liverpool were dumped out of domestic cups and Europe early, slipping to fifth in the table—enough for Champions League qualification but their lowest points tally in a decade.
Netherlands job opens after World Cup exit
Ronald Koeman's second spell as Netherlands manager ended after the team was beaten on penalties by Morocco in the round of 32 in North America. Though they topped their group, the result fell well below expectations for the former European champions and three-time World Cup finalists, with Koeman's tactics under heavy scrutiny. The process of replacing him is still in its early stages, and Slot is one of several candidates, though he has been the bookmakers' favourite since the World Cup exit.
Other candidates for the Oranje job
Among the other names touted for the top job are former Manchester United bosses Louis van Gaal, Erik ten Hag, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Legendary United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who was sacked by Feyenoord in June, is also among the frontrunners. Betfair odds list Slot at 13/8, followed by Van Gaal at 10/3, Michael Reiziger at 4/1, Van Nistelrooy at 5/1, Peter Bosz at 11/2, John Heitinga at 6/1, Ten Hag at 7/1, and Van Persie at 10/1.
Slot's domestic success in the Netherlands
Prior to moving to Anfield, Slot won the Dutch Eredivisie and KNVB Cup with Feyenoord, and also reached the final of the inaugural UEFA Conference League. His domestic success makes him a strong candidate to lead the national team.
