Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed that he held discussions with the Dutch football federation about becoming the next Netherlands manager but chose to withdraw because he wants to continue working in club football.
The 47-year-old is available after leaving Liverpool at the end of May. Slot delivered the club’s 20th English league title during his first season at Anfield, but a fifth-place Premier League finish the following campaign led to his dismissal.
The Netherlands position became vacant after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the country’s World Cup elimination. The Dutch side were knocked out by Morocco on penalties in the last 32 in June, bringing Koeman’s second spell in charge to an end.
Reports in the Netherlands had suggested Slot’s discussions with the KNVB collapsed because of disagreements over salary and the proposed length of his contract. Slot rejected that version of events, explaining that the discussions ended before negotiations had reached the point of determining financial terms or contract details.
His decision was instead based on the type of role he wants at this stage of his career. Slot remains keen on the day-to-day involvement that comes with club management, including regular training sessions and continuous work with players — something an international position cannot provide in the same way.
The former Feyenoord coach, who won the Eredivisie title in 2023, stressed that his decision does not rule out managing the Netherlands later in his career. He regards the national-team position as a major opportunity but believes the timing is not right while he still wants to pursue club-level challenges.
Slot also described his discussions with the KNVB as professional and respectful, making clear that his withdrawal was based on career priorities rather than a breakdown in negotiations.
The Dutch federation is now considering other candidates. Former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has reportedly entered talks with the KNVB as the search for Koeman’s successor continues.