Eredivisie CEO Predicts Arne Slot Will Be A Sensation As Liverpool's Future Coach

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Arne Slot has been praised for his potential to make a significant impact as Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool. Eredivisie chief executive Jan de Jong expressed this view during the Thinking Football Summit organised by Liga Portugal. De Jong also suggested that both Slot and Erik ten Hag could manage the Netherlands national team in the future.

Slot has had an impressive start at Liverpool, securing three consecutive Premier League victories, including a 3-0 win over Manchester United. The Reds have maintained clean sheets in all their matches this season. If they defeat Nottingham Forest on Saturday, they will join an elite group of teams that started a season with four straight wins without conceding.

Slot's early success at Anfield is noteworthy. He left Feyenoord to join Liverpool and has led the team to three straight Premier League wins. This includes a notable 3-0 victory over Manchester United. The Reds have kept clean sheets in all their matches so far this season.

Manchester City last achieved this feat in the 2015-16 season. Before them, Aston Villa (1900-01), Ipswich Town (1974-75), and Chelsea (2005-06) accomplished it. Liverpool aims to become the fifth team in English top-flight history to start a season with four straight wins without conceding.

De Jong highlighted the importance of maintaining Eredivisie's position as Europe's sixth league for the 2024-25 season. He emphasised the significance of Champions League revenue for Dutch clubs. "To be honest, we want to be the sixth league," he said, noting that they were ranked 14th in UEFA rankings in 2018 but have now climbed to sixth.

"That’s very important and we have at least two teams participating in the Champions League," De Jong added. "The money from Champions League football is much more than local media rights." This year’s focus is on retaining their sixth position.

Challenges Faced by Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has faced difficulties at Manchester United, becoming the first manager to lose two of his first three matches in consecutive Premier League seasons. Despite these challenges, De Jong believes both Ten Hag and Slot will succeed long-term.

"The Premier League is the highest goal you can reach," De Jong told Stats Perform. "So if there are two Dutch coaches at such big clubs, we are very proud of it." He added that managing Manchester United is tough, but Ten Hag is technically skilled and capable of overcoming these challenges.

Impact of Saudi Pro League

The Eredivisie faces competition from Saudi Pro League clubs' big-spending approach. Steven Bergwijn recently moved from Ajax to Al-Ittihad for £21 million. This transfer led Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman to exclude Bergwijn from his squad for Nations League fixtures.

De Jong acknowledged the financial power of Saudi clubs as a concern. "When you make a step in your career, I hope it's always out of an aim that you want to reach the highest level," he said. He expressed hope that winning prizes would be more important than earning money.

Koeman explained his decision regarding Bergwijn: "He said that from his point of view, he would no longer take Bergwijn as a player of the Dutch national team." Koeman was surprised by Bergwijn's move at age 26, highlighting his point about career choices.

De Jong remains optimistic about Slot's future: "I think he will be a sensation," he said. "You never know, but he has everything in him to be one of the greatest coaches of his time."