Arne Slot in talks for Netherlands job following Liverpool sacking
Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot has held talks to become the new head coach of the Netherlands national team following Ronald Koeman’s exit.
The 45-year-old is a leading contender to take charge of Oranje after the nation suffered a disappointing early exit from the World Cup.
A move to international management would offer a swift return to the dugout for the former Feyenoord chief.
The Dutch tactician was dismissed by the Merseyside club at the end of May following a difficult second season in charge.
Reunion with the national captain
Taking the Netherlands job would see the highly-rated coach reunited with Virgil van Dijk, who served as his captain at Anfield.
The veteran defender recently criticised the manner in which news of his former boss’s departure was leaked before players were officially informed.
Van Dijk praised the departing coaching staff during an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS last month.
“I have spoken with Arne and with Sipke. That is the most important thing for me,” Virgil van Dijk
“I am very grateful to them. For everything they have meant, not only to me but also to the club.”
A mixed tenure in Merseyside
Slot originally succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and enjoyed immediate success by winning the Premier League title in his maiden campaign.
However, the manager paid the ultimate price for a challenging second year that culminated in a fifth-place finish.
Reflecting on the leaked dismissal, the centre-back acknowledged the brutal reality of the modern game.
“We are now living in a world where everyone wants to be the first person to break the news,” Virgil van Dijk
“These people are the ones that benefit from it. Yeah… this is the reality.”