Erik ten Hag has aimed a dig at Manchester United in his praise for Liverpool’s decision to appoint Arne Slot as their new manager.
Liverpool confirmed their move for Slot last week and the 45-year-old now faces the difficult task of building on Jurgen Klopp’s successful nine-year stint at Anfield.
Slot won both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup during his three seasons with Feyenoord and Ten Hag has described Liverpool’s decision as a ‘beautiful choice’.
However, Ten Hag was also keen to point out that Slot arrives at Liverpool with a ‘a strong foundation’ from Klopp’s reign – something which he claims he lacked when he joined United two years ago.
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.’
However, 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’ the season.
‘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.’
