Arne Slot has been appointed to UEFA's Technical Observer Group, joining household names including former Liverpool managers Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson, as the former Reds boss awaits his return to club management
Arne Slot is back in work
Arne Slot is back in work(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot has landed his first role since being dismissed as Liverpool manager.
The Dutchman was shown the door at the end of last season following a profoundly underwhelming defense of the Premier League title, which left the Reds scraping into Champions League qualification. He was subsequently touted for the Netherlands national team vacancy before making clear that his immediate future would remain in club management.
While awaiting his next opportunity in the sport, Slot has been appointed to UEFA's Technical Observer Group, joining a roster of well-known figures, including several with ties to Liverpool. UEFA has stated that the group will oversee the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League using "stats and video assistance, enabling them to deliver detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching, which are shared among the footballing community to give a dynamic account of the state of the game."
As Liverpool is participating in the Champions League, Slot's appointment means he will be watching the Reds and his successor, Andoni Iraola, closely.
Regarding Slot's inclusion in the group, European football's governing body noted: "Slot made his name at Feyenoord, reaching the UEFA Conference League final in 2022 and winning an Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup in the following two campaigns.
"He joined Liverpool in 2024 and immediately guided the club to their second Premier League trophy in five years before departing Anfield this summer."
Andoni Iraola succeeded Slot at Liverpool
Andoni Iraola succeeded Slot at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Additional members of the group include former Liverpool bosses Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson, alongside ex-Reds goalkeeper David James. Former England manager Gareth Southgate and previous Everton chief Sean Dyche are also part of the initiative.
Slot has made his intentions clear regarding a return to club management.
Addressing speculation about the Netherlands position, he told Voetbal International: "That speculation is incorrect.
"We simply never got to that stage of the talks.
"At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training field with my players every day, something that is simply not possible in the same way with a national team.
"I have a lot of respect for the national team and for the KNVB [Dutch Football Association] and can only be positive about the professional way in which the talks went that week.
"For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me."
The Dutch position ultimately went to Spanish soccer icon Xavi, who penned a four-year deal extending to the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup.