News

Report: Leeds made move for first-placed club’s manager because of Erik ten Hag

Add as preferred source on Google

De Telegraaf reporter Valentijn Driessen claims that Leeds United made a move for Feyenoord boss Arne Slot earlier this month largely due to the form of boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United – who won the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Slot, 44, was one of a number of managers linked with Leeds after the sacking of Jesse Marsch. It took Leeds 15 days for Leeds to bring in a new boss, finally appointing Javi Gracia as Marsch’s replacement. He won his first game as boss.

Feyenoord boss Slot has spent his entire playing and managerial career in The Netherlands. But he has never won the Eredivisie. This season, he is as close as he is going to get – three points clear at the top of the table with 11 games left.

Slot confirmed he would be remaining at Feyenoord when he said he had decided to remain, as he feels he is on the cusp of achieving “something beautiful”. But reason has been given as to why Leeds did make the move for Slot.

Fortuna Sittard v Feyenoord - Dutch Eredivisie
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

“Ten Hag’s success is good for the international market value of the Dutch trainers’ guild. The approach of Arne Slot by Leeds was directly related to Ten Hag’s performance at Manchester United,” Driessen writes, as per Soccer News.

Reporter claims Leeds made Arne Slot move due to Erik ten Hag form

Ten Hag has of course, delivered at Old Trafford. Manchester United look good for a place in the top four and have won the Carabao Cup. That form, despite it being at our bitter rivals, is said to have convinced Leeds and the board.

Whether Leeds retain an interest in Slot remains to be seen. Slot may be more tempted to leave Feyenoord in the summer, but only if we stay up. However, if Javi Gracia keeps us up – surely, the Spaniard is offered the full-time job?

Fortuna Sittard v Feyenoord - Dutch Eredivisie
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images