Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed his true feelings towards Arne Slot as the two Dutchmen prepare to reunite their rivalry this weekend.
Prior to Ten Hag's move to Old Trafford in 2022, he had spent five seasons battling it out with Ajax in the Eredivisie and claimed five trophies during his time with the Amsterdam club. That included three out of four league titles between 2019-2022 along with two KNVB Cups.
Likewise, Slot also enjoyed a successful period in the Netherlands prior to his Anfield arrival, picking up two trophies with Feyenoord in three seasons with the club, including the league title the season after Ten Hag departed the Eredivisie. There was also a runners-up medal in the inaugural Europa Conference League three years ago.
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In total, the two managers came head-to-head on four occasions during their time in the Netherlands, with each clash coming in the Eredivise. The first two came during the 2019/20 campaign when Slot was managing AZ Alkmaar, with his side winning both contests 1-0 and 2-0.
The two managers would not face off again until the 2021/22 campaign, after Slot had joined Feyenoord that summer. However, the tables certainly turned in Ten Hag's favor, with Ajax emerging as 2-0 and 3-2 victors that season. Hopefully, that form will not transition into their Premier League clashes this season.
Speaking on Slot ahead of Saturday's friendly between the two sides, however, Ten Hag told Netherlands-based newspaper AD: "We’ve played against each other before, of course, but I think that’s really great. Also for Dutch football, for our coach training.
"I think the fact that there are now two Dutch managers at the helm at Liverpool and Manchester United is fantastic for our football.
"It is fantastic what Arne has achieved at Feyenoord, how he has helped that club get back on track, and the football that Liverpool prefers to play also suits Arne Slot completely. I think it’s a very good match."
Ten Hag was certainly full of praise for his countryman but whether their positions at England's two biggest clubs will have any effect on their future relationship remains to be seen. However, it appears the Red Devils boss is looking forward to taking on Slot once more.
After this weekend's friendly in the United States, Slot will next face his former Eredivisie rival on September first, when the Reds travel to Old Trafford in just their third Premier League game of the season. The reverse fixture at Anfield then takes place on January 4, 2025.
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