Son Heung-min’s new coach is being finalized. Feyenoord boss Arnaut Slott is the favorite.
Multiple British media outlets reported on Nov. 23 (KST) that Tottenham have selected Slott as their next manager. An official offer will be sent in the coming days. Sky Sports broke the news, stating that “Slott’s agent has informed Feyenoord of Tottenham’s negotiations. Despite not yet making a formal offer, Spurs are likely to hold talks with Slott after their final game this weekend. With the pieces already in place, Slott is likely to lead Spurs next season.
As it turns out, Spurs have found a new manager. Spurs fired Antonio Conte in March, citing poor performance. Conte led Tottenham to the European Champions League last year, but the club hasn’t performed as well as expected this season, especially with the tactics he employed with Ivan Perisic. Conte’s former right-hand man Christian Stellini took over as acting coach. However, Sturridge was also ousted after a shock 1-6 loss to Newcastle. Tottenham hired Ryan Mason, a former coach of the team, to take over as acting head coach. Spurs had one of their worst seasons ever, with a Europa League spot virtually out of reach.
The team went all in on a new manager. Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, former Bayern Munich manager, Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen manager, and Roberto De Jervi, Brighton manager, were among the favorites. However, negotiations hit a snag when Fabio Paratici left the club after being disciplined. To make matters worse, the club’s chances of qualifying for Europe’s club competitions have been virtually eliminated. Tottenham’s desired manager was not so keen on joining the club. The most likely candidate, Nagelsmann, wanted the right to buy players and appoint the head coach, and negotiations broke down.
Tottenham’s search for a new candidate led them to Slott. Slott has made a name for himself this season by leading Feyenoord to the top of the table. Slott, who has 11 years of coaching experience, led Feyenoord to a third-place finish in the league and a Europa League runner-up finish in his first year in charge. He was praised for his ability to implement a flexible and aggressive tactic that centered around pressing. In the Netherlands, he was nicknamed the “next Van Gaal,” in reference to his predecessor who left for United. He is said to spearhead the Pep Guardiola style of attacking football. Having attracted interest from English clubs, Slott has expressed early ambitions to play in the English Premier League. “The EPL is the best league in the world,” he said, “I turned down an offer from Leeds last winter. Now I have to make a decision. I can stay at Feyenoord or I can leave. Maybe it will help me to leave. It’s natural in football to talk to other clubs,” he said, hinting at a parting of the ways. 안전놀이터
The variable was the penalty. With Slott still under contract, Tottenham would have to pay Feyenoord £6 million in compensation to bring him back. That’s a lot of money, but with no one else on the market and a strong desire for Slott, it shouldn’t be a problem. According to Football Transfer Tavern, Tottenham were reportedly disappointed not to land the then-Ajax boss in 2021. At the time, Spurs were looking for a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho, and Van Gaal was reportedly on the shortlist. Ten Hagg was in charge of Ajax, where he orchestrated an epic Champions League quarterfinal against Tottenham.
A penalty fee was also a factor in the appointment. Tottenham would have to pay Feyenoord £6 million in compensation to bring in Slott. That’s a buyout clause for Slott. However, given that Spurs want Slott so badly, they shouldn’t have a problem paying the compensation. Spurs have reportedly promised Slott a salary of more than £3 million. Slott is expected to come to Spurs with his own squad. However, some of the coaches want to stay at Feyenoord, so there are some variables.
Slott has been preparing his squad early. According to the UK’s Dubutrum, the club is looking to sign a young midfielder. The name is unknown, but Orkun Koku is a favorite. The Feyenoord captain is a key part of Slott’s tactics. He has 12 goals and five assists in 45 games this season. With Tottenham’s lack of depth in the midfield, he could provide a much-needed boost.
Son Heung-min is set for a new season with a new manager. Son has played for many managers in recent years, from Mourinho to Mason to Nuno Santu to Conte to Sturridge to Mason again. During his time at Hamburg and Leverkusen, Son has worked with coaches from Germany, Portugal, and Italy, but if Slott is appointed, he will be coached by a Dutchman for the first time in his career. Son will be looking to bounce back next season, and with Slott’s ultra-aggressive style, he’ll be in a good position to do so.