Ex-Liverpool boss Arne Slot odds-on favourite to land manager role after talks

Arne Slot is increasingly likely to become the Netherlands next manager just months after he was dismissed at Liverpool.

The Lowland nation has reportedly added the 47-year-old to their shortlist as they search for Ronald Koeman’s successor.

Slot has only been out of work since the end of May, when Liverpool chose to sack the manager and bring in Andoni Iraola after a sub-par campaign.

However, the Dutch-born coach could now be set to become the manager of his nation, with one bookmaker slashing the odds down to 1/2 after the recent reports.

The Netherlands had a disappointing 2026 World Cup as they exited the tournament in the round of 32 to Morocco.

If appointed, Slot would become the Netherlands’ sixth permanent manager in 10 years.

Arne Slot shortlisted by the Netherlands for managerial appointment 

Slot may feel aggrieved that he was sacked by Liverpool at the end of last season.

Despite not winning a trophy, the manager still achieved Champions League qualification and had only won the Premier League title the previous campaign.

Therefore, his reputation, despite his dismissal, seems largely intact, which is shown in the Netherlands’ interest.

Florian Plettenberg confirmed via X that talks have taken place between Slot and the Dutch over the position, and he is on the shortlist.

However, other candidates are also being considered, and Slot is far from certain to be given the job.

Who else is linked to the Netherlands post?

The second favourite for the role is currently Louis van Gaal at 6/4, in what could be a shock return for the manager.

The 74-year-old has had three previous spells at the Netherlands and guided the nation to a third-place finish in the 2014 World Cup.

Following this, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie are both considered to be in the running at 5/1 and 6/1. 

Van Nistelrooy is currently the assistant manager at the Netherlands after his failed spell at Leicester City, whereas van Persie is a free agent after leaving Feyenoord this summer.

Michael Reiziger is also yet to be ruled out at 6/1 as he continued to manage the Dutch Under-21s side.

However, it remains to be seen who the Netherlands will appoint as their manager as they look to vastly improve their performance ahead of the 2028 Euros.