The Dutch FA has appointed the next Netherlands head coach a few days after Arne Slot insisted that his next job after being fired by Liverpool would be in the club game
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
After Arne Slot confirmed that he intends to take a job in the club game next, rather than the Dutch national team role left vacant by Ronald Koeman, an alternative appointment has been made.
Links with Roberto Martinez emerged earlier this week, but it is actually Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona legend, who will take over. The ex-Spain midfielder is set to become the first foreigner to hold the post since the 1970s.
Xavi, who has previously managed Al Sadd and Barcelona, has signed a contract until 2030, which will mean taking charge of the European Championship in 2028 and then the World Cup two years later, just like Jurgen Klopp with Germany.
A few days ago, Slot clarified his intentions amid media speculation about him taking over following Koeman's post-World Cup exit.
"Over the past few weeks, and particularly the past few days, various reports have appeared regarding the vacancy at the Dutch national team, suggesting that I had withdrawn from the process after lengthy negotiations, including regarding salary and contract duration," Slot said.
"That speculation is incorrect. We simply never reached that stage of the talks."
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot looks on ahead of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Arne Slot lost his job as Liverpool head coach following an end-of-season review (Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Slot did admit that he had held conversations with the Dutch FA, although the discussions were only brief.
He added: "That is only logical when you are approached for an important position and want to get a better picture of the role and the expectations.
"At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training pitch with my players every day. Something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team.
"And [that is] why I chose not to continue the talks and not to start negotiations on what a possible contract might look like.
Content Image
Content Image
"I have enormous respect for the national team and for the KNVB and can only be positive about the professional manner in which the talks proceeded that week.
"For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me."
Slot was also linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League to replace Matthias Jaissle, who joined Newcastle. However, there was no truth in any reports that he was interested in that role.
Liverpool.com says: Slot will need to choose his next job carefully. His stock is still high, but he didn't go to AC Milan when Ruben Amorim did, and was also linked with Fulham. It looks like he will have to go somewhere mid-season when someone is fired, which can be difficult.