Slot urged to AVOID copying Ten Hag mistake

Cameron Smith

21 May 2024 11:00 CDT
4 min read

Arne Slot, Liverpool, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Arne Slot has been urged to avoid signing players from the Eredivisie during his first transfer window as Liverpool head coach.

Article continues under the video

The 45-year-old has been officially confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Anfield, with the legendary German boss stepping down after eight-and-a-half years at the club.

Slot will begin his role as Liverpool’s new head coach on 1 June and reports have already linked the Reds with several of his Feyenoord stars.

Although incoming sporting director Richard Hughes and new FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards will take charge of transfer operations at Liverpool this summer, Slot will no doubt have a say in which players arrive at Anfield.

However, he has been told to avoid making the same mistake as his compatriot Erik ten Hag.

The ex-Ajax boss signed three Eredivisie players during his first transfer window at Manchester United - including two from Ajax - and it looks like a major error in hindsight. Lisandro Martinez has been largely reliable, despite worries over his height, but Antony has been a major flop at €95 million and Tyrell Malacia has barely featured.

In addition, players such as Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Vincent Janssen have all failed to replicate their Eredivisie form upon arriving in England.

As a result, former Netherlands international and Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has told Slot to avoid signing players from the Dutch top flight.

What has been said?

“The gap is huge between Holland and England,” Melchiot told ESPN (via Anfield Watch). “When you come to England I always say: ‘Be careful with who you bring with you.’

“That's been one of the criteria with the Dutch managers, that they sometimes bring a player from Holland and he’s been great. They talk him up and say: ‘That player is amazing.’

“He comes to England and most of the guys that they really rave about sometimes in our country are the guys that struggle when they go abroad. We saw a number of the guys.

“I think the first season my advice [to Slot] would be work with what you have and then see what you can do.”