'Good Match'- Erik ten Hag sees the bigger picture regarding Arne Slot and Liverpool

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes Arne Slot is a ‘good match’ for Liverpool

Manchester United and Liverpool are not just united in their standing as the greatest two sides in English football history but now are also forged together by the fact that they both have Dutch managers at the helm.

With the Oranje rivalry set to take off, Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag recently shared his thoughts on his compatriot Arne Slot’s move to Liverpool in an interview with Dutch newspaper AD via Sport Witness. The prospect of two Dutch managers leading two of the biggest clubs in English football is a significant talking point in the Netherlands, and it’s expected that both ten Hag and Slot will be frequently asked about each other.

When asked about competing against Slot in what AD described as the “largest competition in the world,” Ten Hag expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this rivalry is for the greater good of Dutch football as a whole:

“We’ve played against each other before, of course, but I think that’s really great. Also for Dutch football, for our coach training. I think the fact that there are now two Dutch managers at the helm at Liverpool and Manchester United is fantastic for our football”

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes Arne Slot is a 'good match' for Liverpool.

Despite not yet having direct contact with Slot, ten Hag offered insights into why he believes Slot will succeed at Anfield. We certainly hope that is the case.

“No, we haven’t had contact yet, but that will happen. It is fantastic what Arne has achieved at Feyenoord, how he has helped that club get back on track. And the football that Liverpool prefers to play also suits Arne Slot completely. I think it’s a very good match.”

Ten Hag acknowledged that Slot is joining Liverpool at a time when the club’s structures and winning attitude, largely established by Jurgen Klopp, are well in place. This contrasts with the situation Ten Hag encountered at Manchester United, where he had to undertake more foundational rebuilding.

Slot’s arrival at Liverpool is seen as a continuation of the club’s successful philosophy, with the hope that he will maintain the momentum established during Klopp’s tenure. Slot had been on the verge of joining the Premier League a year earlier with Tottenham but opted to wait for a more significant opportunity, which eventually came with Liverpool’s interest.

The appointment of Arne Slot at Liverpool also reignites his rivalry with Erik ten Hag, stemming from their time in the Eredivisie. The competitive history between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue to the historic rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United.

Both clubs are aiming big next season and have already begun their activities in the transfer market, albeit with different approaches. Manchester United has been aggressive in securing new signings, while Liverpool are taking a more measured approach.

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The introduction of Slot and Ten Hag as managers of Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively, brings a refreshing dynamic to the Premier League. Their past encounters and competitive spirit promise to elevate the intensity of matches between these two footballing giants. This season could witness some of the most thrilling encounters in the storied Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry, as both clubs strive to assert their dominance. Hopefully, it is the Merseysiders who will continue to come out on top.