Image Credits: Imago Images
Ronald Koeman’s resignation has opened up one of the most high-profile vacancies in international football, and Arne Slot’s name is inevitably sitting near the top of the conversation as the Dutch FA weigh up their next move.
Koeman stepped down after the Netherlands’ World Cup exit this summer.
From a Liverpool angle, there is an obvious subplot if Slot does land the role. He would be reunited on international duty with a familiar quartet in Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong.
There is also the prospect of an early headline occasion.
Germany are expected to turn to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after Julian Nagelsmann’s departure, and Germany’s first competitive fixture is away to the Netherlands in the Nations League on 24 September, meaning Slot’s first competitive game as Dutch boss could come against Klopp if both appointments fall into place.
That said, Slot is not the only serious name in the frame.
Algemeen Dagblad have said that PSV manager Peter Bosz is another candidate being considered by the Dutch FA, although he signed a two-year extension with his current club back in Febuaray of this year:
“Peter Bosz is in a completely different phase of his coaching career. 62 years old and at PSV in his last job as a club coach. Also someone with a clear football style. Bosz left the KNVB plenty of room last winter to get him as Koeman’s successor after the World Cup.”
“As is known, however, they wanted to wait in Zeist. No one was approached informally for the scenario in which Koeman would stop.”
“Now the association will have to deal with PSV anyway, should they still want to get on the line for Bosz, who extended his contract in Eindhoven last spring. The coach himself did not want to say whether his new contract has a release clause. PSV director Marcel Brands said that such an agreement is missing.”
Erik ten Hag has been mentioned too, with the former Manchester United manager now working as technical director at FC Twente after returning to the Dutch club earlier this year.