Arne Slot’s Next Move: Evaluating Opportunities After Liverpool

By Sam Whitlock — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Arne Slot, the former Liverpool head coach, is currently evaluating his next managerial opportunity following his departure from Anfield. After being sacked a week after the conclusion of his second season in charge, Slot has remained out of the public eye, taking time to consider his future.

Sources indicate that the Dutchman’s preference is to manage within Europe’s elite leagues, aiming for a club that competes for honours in a top-five league on the continent. This ambition suggests a desire for another experience at the highest level of European club football.

Interest from various clubs and national teams

Slot’s previous successes have positioned him as a sought-after manager globally. His name frequently appears on lists of targets for vacant managerial roles at both clubs and national teams. He has achieved league titles in two different countries.

Despite this, a move to the Saudi Pro League does not currently appeal to Slot. Al Ahli, who are expected to see their manager Matthias Jaissle depart for Newcastle United, had reportedly shortlisted Slot as a potential replacement. However, it is considered unlikely that Al Ahli will receive any encouragement from Slot’s camp.

There is also an opening with the Netherlands national team following Ronald Koeman’s exit after a World Cup campaign this summer. Slot’s name has been mentioned in connection with this role, but his strong desire to manage in one of Europe’s top leagues remains.

Xavi Hernandez is also reportedly in the running to replace Jaissle at Al Ahli, competing with three Portuguese candidates for the position. These candidates include Vitor Pereira, who previously managed Al Ahli, and Nuno Espirito Santo, currently with West Ham United. While Slot was on a reserve shortlist for the Al Ahli role, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Slot is awaiting an offer to return to a major European league.

Reflecting on his tenure and future prospects

Before his move to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, he managed Feyenoord, where he secured their second domestic title this century. Prior to that, he was with AZ, who were level with Ajax at the top of the 2019-20 Eredivisie table before the season was halted due to the pandemic.

His second season at Liverpool saw a decline in performance. The team struggled, and Slot himself admitted to not being accustomed to extended periods of losing. However, many observers believe that one difficult season will not deter potential suitors in Europe.

Slot is still considered relatively young for a head coach and has six years of experience in top-flight management. His next career move is seen as crucial after the high-pressure environment at Liverpool. He has opted to take his time in selecting his next opportunity, unlike his former assistants, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Sipke Hulshoff, who quickly moved to Feyenoord as head coach and assistant, respectively.

The managerial landscape has seen other coaches navigate similar career paths. Antonio Conte, for instance, won the Serie A title with Inter three years after leaving Chelsea, where he had won the Premier League. Luis Enrique, after a period of uncertainty at Barcelona, went on to win the treble that season and has since secured back-to-back Champions Leagues with Paris Saint-Germain.

Comparisons have also been drawn between Slot and fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag, particularly regarding their performances in their first and second seasons in England. However, Slot’s future is expected to differ significantly from Ten Hag’s brief tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.

After more than two months of quiet reflection, and with the new European season approaching, it is anticipated that a suitable opportunity for Slot will emerge soon.

Source: nytimes.com