Feyenoord defender David Hancko is unlikely to join Arne Slot at Liverpool
In an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Feyenoord defender David Hancko expressed that current Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be regarded as “one of the best coaches in the world in three years”.
Since Arne Slot swapped Feyenoord for Liverpool earlier this summer, David Hancko has been one of the players linked with a move to reunite with his former coach. When in charge of Feyenoord, the Dutch tactician signed the Slovakia international from Sparta Prague in 2022 and the duo have gone on to taste the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup success over two seasons in Rotterdam.
Hancko claims that he has learnt a lot under Slot’s guidance at Feyenoord and that the Dutchman has the potential to become one of the world’s best managers in the next three years.
“In the last two years he changed my career, in the way he taught me to play and how I look at football,” Hancko told Voetbal International.
“He impressed me in training, in meetings and with his systems. Thanks to him I have grown in several aspects as a footballer.
“I think that in three years he will be named as one of the best coaches in the world. I can see that happening, because I know what he did with us and now he has the biggest platform to show that. I have a lot of confidence in him and his staff.”
Hancko recently excelled for Slovakia at the 2024 European Championships, starting all four games in defence. He was a crucial part of the team that shocked Belgium 1-0 in the group stage en route to the last 16. However, the 26-year-old and Slovakia were eliminated by England in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
With the defender’s involvement at Euro 2024 now over, speculation over Hancko’s future will no doubt intensify once more. He has been tipped to follow Slot to Liverpool following their successful time in the Netherlands, but the 26-year-old has poured cold water over a possible move after having talks with the Reds chief.
“And I don’t express that appreciation because I hope that I will go with him to Liverpool, because that is unlikely,” he added.
“I have spoken to him a few times after the end of the season, but I don’t think they are looking for a player in my position, so I don’t think a transfer to Liverpool will happen, but I wish him the best of luck, he really is a fantastic coach.”
Hancko would have been such a fantastic addition to Liverpool’s defensive ranks. His physicality, ball-playing ability, leadership skills and above all versatility should have hugely benefited Slot’s side. The defender has ended speculation over a move to Liverpool as he has set his heart on a move to Atletico Madrid, who have been negotiating with Feyenoord over a deal in recent weeks.
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However, the Slovakian star’s claim that Liverpool are not looking for a player in his position is debatable. The Reds are in the transfer market to improve the quality and depth at both centre-back and left-back—both of which Hancko could fill—as evidenced by our interest in the likes of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
