Erik ten Hag has subtly criticized Manchester United while lauding Liverpool for their appointment of Arne Slot as the new head coach.
Last week, Liverpool announced Arne Slot as their new managerial hire, and the 45-year-old is now tasked with the challenging role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp’s impressive nine-year tenure at Anfield.
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During his three-year tenure at Feyenoord, Slot secured both the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup. Ten Hag has commended Liverpool’s choice as ‘exemplary’.
Nonetheless, Ten Hag also highlighted that Slot is inheriting a ‘solid groundwork’ laid by Klopp at Liverpool—a contrast to the situation Ten Hag claims to have encountered when he took over at Manchester United two years prior.
When asked about Liverpool’s decision to appoint Slot, Ten Hag told Voetbal International: ‘I think it is a very good and beautiful choice from both sides.
‘This is great for the Dutch trainers’ guild. And Arne Slot also fits Liverpool with his philosophy.
‘It also ties in with Jurgen Klopp and Pepijn Lijnders. They have left a strong foundation.
‘He ends up in better waters than I did when I went from the Netherlands to Manchester United. In terms of structure in the club, in terms of balance in the squad.’
But, Ten Hag also suggested that Feyenoord have received too much praise under Slot and claims Eredivisie champions PSV were the better team ‘in all areas’ this campaign.
‘Feyenoord were stable this year, but not top,’ Ten Hag said.
‘In my opinion, the difference between PSV and Feyenoord was too big from Feyenoord’s perspective as the reigning national champion. People are overly lyrical about Feyenoord.
‘PSV were two classes better than Feyenoord in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of pressing, in terms of intensity, you name it. PSV are better than Feyenoord by such a large distance.’
