Liverpool’s Arne Slot Reflects on Decision to Reject Tottenham Job | OneFootball

Arne Slot and Tottenham: What Might Have Been for Both Clubs

As Liverpool approaches the final stages of their 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they are on the verge of securing their 20th league title. Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield presents the Reds with an opportunity to complete the job themselves, after missing out on the chance earlier in the week when Crystal Palace failed to defeat Arsenal. However, Tottenham’s position in the Premier League, languishing in 16th place, suggests that the north London side could present favourable opposition for Liverpool as they look to clinch the title.

Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of the fixture, the game carries a peculiar significance for Spurs’ manager, Ange Postecoglou, who, as a Liverpool fan, will face his childhood idols. Yet, while Postecoglou has his links to Liverpool, there is another intertwined managerial connection that adds layers of intrigue to the fixture. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s current manager, has a past with Tottenham as well.

Slot’s 2023 Tottenham Decision

In May 2023, Slot was seen as the frontrunner to take the reins at Tottenham Hotspur. According to The Athletic, the Dutch coach was in ‘pole position’ to succeed Antonio Conte and was ahead of Postecoglou in the managerial race. With an impressive record at Feyenoord, Slot was thought to be the ideal candidate to lead Spurs back to the top of English football.

Photo IMAGO

However, in an unexpected turn, Slot withdrew from the running at the last moment and instead opted to extend his stay at Feyenoord, signing a new contract. Reflecting on his decision, Slot explained, “Because of the way we work here, the way I work with my staff, the players we have, the facilities we have.” He went on to describe his excitement about Feyenoord’s prospects, particularly their upcoming Champions League campaign, which would be his first time managing in the competition. “The club is in a really good place,” Slot added, signalling his commitment to the long-term project at Feyenoord.

Tottenham’s Loss, Liverpool’s Gain

It is, of course, impossible to say how Slot would have fared at Tottenham. However, it is safe to say that his decision to remain in Rotterdam has paid dividends for Liverpool. While Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs has had its ups and downs, Slot’s arrival at Anfield has coincided with a revival of Liverpool’s fortunes, with the Reds now on the brink of domestic glory.

Had Slot accepted the Tottenham job, it is highly likely that he would have been ruled out as a candidate to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. As it stands, Slot’s appointment has brought a new era of success to Anfield, and his style of play has invigorated the squad. It’s clear that Slot’s commitment to Liverpool is paying off, with the Reds now in a strong position to win the Premier League title under his leadership.

Postecoglou’s Spurs: The Road Less Traveled

From a Tottenham perspective, Postecoglou’s reign has been a mixed bag. While Spurs may finish this season in the bottom half of the table, it is worth noting that Postecoglou guided them to a respectable fifth place finish last season, and they could yet win the Europa League. This speaks to the potential that Postecoglou holds, even if his side’s current struggles have led to frustrations among fans and pundits alike.

Photo: IMAGO

Had Slot made the move to Spurs, it’s likely that Tottenham would be in a stronger position, perhaps fighting for a top-four finish rather than their current mid-table mediocrity. However, in the grand scheme of things, it seems that both clubs have ended up in the right place, with Slot continuing to thrive at Liverpool and Tottenham yet to fully realise their potential under Postecoglou.

The What-Ifs for Spurs Fans

As Liverpool’s fans anticipate a title celebration at Anfield on Sunday, Tottenham supporters might be left wondering what might have been. Had Slot accepted the Tottenham job, would they have been competing for Champions League football this season instead of languishing in the lower half of the table? With Slot’s success at Liverpool and the Reds poised to win the title, those “what-if” questions will inevitably linger in the minds of Spurs fans.

For Liverpool, however, it’s a moment to celebrate their manager’s swift impact. Arne Slot’s decision to turn down Tottenham last year has proven to be a masterstroke, with his vision for the club now materialising in the form of a potential Premier League title.