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    Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot snubbed Tottenham, hates defending and has a PASS named after him

    ARNE SLOT was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Arne Slot has thrived at Feyenoord after landing his big chanceCredit: EPAAs he player, Slot had a pass named after himCredit: GettyLike another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBram van Polen was Slot’s team-mate when he ended his playing career with a three-year spell back at first pro club PEC Zwolle.Van Polen, now Zwolle captain, saw Slot the coach emerging in their spell together and said: “You sometimes still see things in the game at Feyenoord.“The Arne Slot ball still exists with us at PEC and Kokcu [Feyenoord’s Turkish playmaker] also wants to play those type of passes.“We also did a lot of pressing and played exactly the same as Feyenoord now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It doesn’t surprise me that he plays like that.”It is also no surprise that Slot is high on Liverpool’s shortlist to succeed Jurgen Klopp, just as Ten Hag was an attractive candidate for United.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIn fact, but for the pandemic, Slot might have put himself in a position to be considered by United as well or at least raised questions about Ten Hag’s credentials.After cutting his teeth at Cambuur, Slot moved to AZ Alkmaar in 2017 as assistant before becoming head coach for the 2019/20 season.In March 2020, AZ won 2-0 at Ajax to put themselves level on points with Ten Hag’s defending champions with nine games to go.But when Covid-19 took hold, the Dutch season was abandoned, denying Slot the chance to win his first title. In contrast, the Premier League campaign resumed later in the year and Klopp was able to guide Liverpool to their first championship for three decadesSlot had another bump in the road when AZ found out in December 2020 that he had been talking to Feyenoord about replacing outgoing boss Dick Advocaat.He was sacked and spent six months playing golf before taking up the post in Rotterdam.Who are these famous footballers?
    Slot showed he could mix it with the best even before his first season began.After a bad-tempered friendly against Atletico Madrid, he and Diego Simeone got physical.Slot later explained: “At that moment, at the end of the match, I turned to Simeone to tell him how passionate he was even in a friendly match.”Then, he misinterpreted the smile I had at that moment and pushed me.”Feyenoord reached the Europa Conference League final in Slot’s debut campaign, losing to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.Although Ten Hag led Ajax to a third title in a row, it was Slot who won the Netherlands’ Manager of the Year award.Slot has plenty of what Liverpool look for in a managerCredit: RexDutch tacticians have struggled in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexTen Hag left for Old Trafford that summer of 2022 but key Feyenoord players Luis Sinisterra and Marcos Senesi also moved to the Premier League, to Leeds and Bournemouth, and other sales left the Rotterdam club looking short of quality and depth.Yet Slot took Feyenoord to their first Dutch title for six years, playing an exciting brand of football with a team mostly aged 24 or under.His simple approach saw his players to press for the full 90 minutes in order to defend from the front before looking to control possession.Slot believes that Jose Mourinho-style defensive football is more tiring and also less stimulating for players – and his results speak for themselves.Like Klopp, he is said to be an expert man-manager who communicates clearly to his players what he expects from them.Slot turned down the chance to join Tottenham last year and signed a new deal with Feyenoord.Feyenoord did not get out of their Champions League group, despite beating both Celtic and Lazio, and lost their title to a PSV side having an incredible season.But Slot led the club to Dutch Cup triumph recently and his star remains in the ascendent.It’s fair to say coaches from the Netherlands have had mixed fortunes in England.No Dutchman has won a Premier League title and former Eredivisie champions like Louis van Gaal, Frank de Boer and now Ten Hag have all found life tough, for various reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot ticks a lot of boxes for Liverpool. His teams have consistently played attractive football and competed with rivals with even bigger budgets. He improves players and gives youngsters a chance. He is funny, likeable and charismatic.But to match Klopp’s achievements, Slot will have to do better than any of his compatriots, including Ten Hag. More

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    Everton vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Toffees look to derail their rivals’ Premier League title hunt in huge clash – latest

    LIVERPOOL hope to keep up the pressure on title-chasing rivals Arsenal and Manchester City with a win over local rivals Everton.The Reds fought hard to beat London outfit Fulham in their most recent outing.While goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil saw the Toffees pick up three controversial points against Nottingham Forest.
    Kick-off time: 8pm BST
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League
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    Next Manchester United manager odds: Gareth Southgate leads betting as Ten Hag set to be replaced, Graham Potter trails

    GARETH SOUTHGATE is the favourite in the betting to be the next Manchester United manager.The England boss has overtaken a list of huge names to be the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag, who looks set to be replaced in the summer.Southgate fave for Man Utd job ahead of Potter as club poised to replace Ten HagCredit: GettyTen Hag watched on as his United side threw away a 3-0 lead against Coventry to eventually scrape through on penalties after a cruel offside call denied Coventry a famous win.It’s the second successive FA Cup final for United but even a win there doesn’t look like being enough for Ten Hag to save his job.Southgate is reportedly the number one choice of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with new technical director Jason Wilcox set to have his input. He leads the betting with Paddy Power at 7/2.Southgate’s appointment is said to be universally welcome by those in the club, including the United players.His contract with the FA runs out in December of this year, meaning this summer’s Euros could be his last in charge – after shelving talks on his future until after the tournament.Regardless of the outcome, he could look to leave on a high should England finally get over the line, or admit defeat and hand the reins to someone else having disappointed on the continental stage yet again.Next Man Utd manager oddsPaddy Power prices

    Gareth Southgate 7/2
    Graham Potter 5/1
    Thomas Tuchel 6/1
    Julian Nagelsmann 9/1
    Ruben Amorim 10/1
    Roberto De Zerbi 11/1
    Zinedine Zidane 12/1

    Either way, he could be looking for a fresh challenge after the summer and Old Trafford could present itself nicely.He’s also worked with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at the FA, which also sways things in his favour.Although the same could also be said for Graham Potter, who worked with Ashworth at Brighton, and is the current second favourite at 5/1.Potter has remained out of work since his sacking from Chelsea at the beginning of last year though has been linked with several top flight roles – including topping the betting for the United job for much of the season until now.Thomas Tuchel is still set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season despite steering them to the Champions League last four and he’s next at 6/1.Julian Nagelsmann is 9/1 with Ruben Amorim – linked with West Ham and Liverpool this week – a 10/1 chance.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi (11/1) and Zinedine Zidane (12/1) will both be linked with Europe’s top jobs coming this summer.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
    Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Premier League legend-turned-manager, 45, in awkward TV interview as he repeatedly slams his OWN player

    PREMIER LEAGUE legend Damien Duff slammed his own player in an awkward interview on live TV.Duff, 45, lit up England’s top flight during an incredible spell lasting almost 20 years.Damien Duff slammed his own player in an awkward interview on live TVCredit: SportsfileShane Farrell lasted just 12 minutes off the bench before being sent offCredit: SportsfileThe former Republic of Ireland hero played for Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham.And he ended his career in 2015 with Shamrock Rovers.Duff has since moved into the world of management.Having started as a youth coach at Shamrock, he now leads rivals Shelbourne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuff welcomed back his old side in Monday night’s Premier Division clash, with the two sides playing out a 0-0 draw.But Shelbourne were forced to play the final 15 minutes with just 10 men after substitute Shane Farrell received two yellow cards for bad tackles.The 23-year-old lasted just 12 minutes after crunching into his opponents.And Duff had zero sympathy for Farrell, instead blasting the fan favourite for failing to deliver both on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn an astonishing rant, Duff criticised Farrell’s diet and dismissed his popularity among supporters.To rub it in, Duff even claimed that nearly a decade after retiring, he could play as well as Farrell on any given day.Watch Chelsea legend whip crowd of fans into a frenzy with Premier League icon now managing minnows with tiny stadiumThe two-time Premier League title winner with Chelsea said: “Regarding Shane, here, I am always honest privately and in public. He knows he has let everyone down.“I used to laugh about his diet, in year one, the chicken fillet rolls, whatever.”That time has passed now. How you live your life off the pitch, how you train usually gets shown up on a match night and it did.“I get he’s a fan’s favourite and what have you, but he hasn’t deserved to play.”Not one bit. Flashes. I could go on and give you a flash. I’m 45 and I can’t walk.“It’s a 100-minute game nowadays, so flashes aren’t good enough for me.“Shane doesn’t erupt. I wouldn’t call that an eruption. I’ve looked back at them, they are two awful tackles.“You don’t live right you don’t train right, you’re a yard off and you’re late in a tackle.”It’s not rocket science to me. As I told him up there he won’t ruin the players’ night.”In a second TV interview, Duff added: “He’s let the whole football club down, simple as that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“(Did I ever get sent off?) No. He’s got two ridiculous yellow cards, I don’t see it any other way.“I believe he’s a crowd favourite here, he’s let everyone down.”Damien Duff’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Blackburn, 1996-2003: 223 games, 35 goals

    Chelsea, 2003-2006: 125 games, 19 goals

    Newcastle, 2006-2009: 86 games, 6 goals

    Fulham, 2009-2014: 173 games, 22 goals

    Melbourne City, 2014-2015: 16 games, 1 goal

    Shamrock Rovers, 2015: 9 games, 0 goals

    Republic of Ireland, 1998-2012: 100 games, 8 goals

    Trophies: Carabao Cup (Blackburn); Premier League x2, Carabao Cup, Community Shield (Chelsea); Intertoto Cup (Newcastle); Nations Cup (Republic of Ireland)

    Duff knows all about performing at the top after two title wins with ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd Class of 92 legends look glum as they meet up for coffee days after embarrassing FA Cup semi-final

    PAUL SCHOLES and Nicky Butt struggled to raise a smile as the Manchester United legends met up this morning.The Class of ‘92 icons enjoyed countless successes under Sir Alex Ferguson back during their playing days for the club.Man Utd legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes looked glum as they enjoyed a catch-upCredit: ZenpixThe pair were spotted meeting upfor a coffee in Cheshire this morningCredit: ZenpixThe two were team-mates for both Man Utd and EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNeither Utd or Salford have provided any joy for Butt or Scholes this termCredit: ZenpixHowever, currently the Red Devils are a million miles away from those glory days.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster by beating Coventry on penalties to secure a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final last weekend.The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup during his first term at the helm but this season he has failed to build on that.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited have produced a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.The pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United despite setting up that date at Wembley next month.And it looked like Scholes and Butt, who both lifted the FA Cup three times with United, had little to laugh about as they were spotted having a catch-up in Cheshire earlier.The 49-year-old Scholes, dressed in jeans and a dark top and coat, has made no secret about feeling that Ten Hag’s time at the club will soon be over while working as a pundit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd there was little on display on Sunday to suggest that he might have changed his mind.Even though neither are officially still tied to United, they are both co-owners at League Two side Salford City along with fellow Red Devils icons Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Arsenal fans say they ‘live rent free in Ten Hag’s head’ after watching video of Man Utd boss’ FA Cup press conferenceButt is also the club’s chief executive officer – but they have had little to celebrate at Moor Lane this term either.They have stuck down the lower reaches of the fourth tier for most of the campaign but Karl Robinson’s arrival as manager in January has resulted in them beating the drop back to non-league.Meanwhile Roy Keane, who lined-up regularly alongside both Scholes and Butt in the 1990s and early 2000s, claimed United’s players looked “embarrassed” after the win over Coventry.He said: “I think from the United players and the supporters they weren’t really going over the top with the celebrations.“Because they know that they were quite lucky today. They had the game won at 3-0 and they are almost embarrassed to win in the end.”Keane added: “Every time I see this United team I don’t like what I see.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

    “They’re hard to like and they just play in moments.“We keep talking about leadership and characters – I don’t see any of that in this United group.“The team management when you’re 3-0 up… you don’t give a Championship team any sort of hope that they can get back in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But that’s what they do, they give up chances, they give up goals.“We’ve seen it all season so I don’t know why we’re that surprised, but my goodness they rode their luck in the end.”Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
    Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
    Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
    Victory has never been less glorious.
    As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
    Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
    Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
    After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
    Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Fans say Martin Odegaard ‘winning on and off the pitch’ as stunning Wag dances in stands while Arsenal batter Chelsea

    FANS reckon Martin Odegaard is “winning on and off the pitch” after his stunning Wag danced in the stands following Arsenal’s thrashing of Chelsea.The midfielder was in imperious form as his Gunners side demolished their London neighbours 5-0 at the Emirates.Martin Odegaard’s Wag danced in the stands after Arsenal’s 5-0 win over ChelseaCredit: TikTokHelene Spilling showed off her moves to Shakira’s hit song ‘Waka Waka’Credit: TikTokThe 27-year-old proved she can boogie with the best of themCredit: TikTokFans reacted with delight to Helene’s dancing skillsCredit: TikTokLeandro Trossard opened the scoring before Kai Havertz and Ben White each bagged a brace.The result sent Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table.And it also their biggest Premier League win over Chelsea, who remain stuck in ninth place.At the final whistle, Gunners fans wildly celebrated the victory.READ MORE ON WAGSSome set off fireworks, much to the annoyance of Joe Cole.While others settled for a dance in the stands, with one couple catching the eye.But it wasn’t just supporters who were in the mood for a boogie as Shakira’s hit song ‘Waka Waka’ blared from the speakers.Odegaard’s girlfriend Helene Spilling, who is also from Norway, delighted onlookers as she grooved to the post-match music.Most read in FootballThe 27-year-old and Odegaard, 25, are believed to have been dating for just over a year after they were first spotted together at the London Football Awards in March 2023.Helene rose to fame in Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2021.Arsenal star’s twerk queen Wag shakes her booty in barely-there trousers as she snubs husband’s big match vs Chelsea The model and pro dancer boasts 141,000 followers on Instagram.And supporters were delighted with her latest moves in the Emirates stands.One said: “Odegaard winning on and off the pitch.”Another declared: “Wow love it.”One noted: “As long as she is happy we’re all good.”Another added: “I’m the happiest man today.”See more of Helene’s glamorous life belowHelene always shows her support for OdegaardThe pair have been dating for over a yearCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98They were seen for the first time together at the London Football Awards in March 2023Credit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Helene is two years old than OdegaardCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98The pair have become inseparableCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Helene is a dancer and model who won Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021Credit: Instagram / helenespilling More

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    Roy Keane tipped for stunning Man Utd manager job to replace doomed Erik ten Hag and perform huge overhaul

    A FORMER Manchester United forward believes Roy Keane is the ideal man to bring the glory days back to Manchester United.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Roy Keane has been tipped to make a shock return to Man Utd as managerCredit: PAPressure continues to mount on Erik ten HagCredit: PABut the pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.He won the Carabao Cup last season during his first term at the helm but this season has led to a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.Ex-United and Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 37, spent three years at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd he believes that United’s former captain Keane, now famous for his rants as a pundit, is the ideal person to take over from Ten Hag.He told  DAZN: “When I think about potentially having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford, that sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool.“The club should definitely think about it if they have a change in management.“A man who is a legend of the club and helped build their culture, that’s exactly what is needed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Maybe some of the players that are not playing for the shirt would understand it more.“Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house so to speak and build from there. It could be a great situation.”Roy Keane reveals only sport that relaxes him as hothead pundit describes lifelong passion for itKeane enjoyed success at Sunderland, leading them to the Premier League, in his first job in management.He failed to replicate that at Ipswich and has since had coaching stints at Aston Villa, Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, where he left in 2019.Whether or not he would be interested in returning to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Rossi is adamant that the current manager can transform the club.He added: “I really don’t know if Erik ten Hag is the right man to bring glory days back to United because there has been too much inconsistency.“For me it’s of course about the results but more because of the playing style. There doesn’t seem to be an identity to his team.ROY KEANE’S COACHING CAREERCheck out the stats from his time in the dug-out:
    Sunderland (Sep 1, 2006 – Dec 4, 2008)
    Championship title (2007)
    Premier League – 15th (2008)
    Total matches: 100
    Points per game: 1.45
    Ipswich Town (April 23, 2009 – Jan 6, 2011)
    Championship – 15th (2010)
    Total matches: 81
    Points per game: 1.37
    Other coaching roles:
    Republic of Ireland (Assistant manager)
    Aston Villa (Assistant manager)
    Nottingham Forest (Assistant manager)

    “The best teams always have an identity no matter who they are playing or who is on the pitch.“We see a different Manchester United against Luton Town to the one we see against Bournemouth.“Losing to the big teams now and again is normal but the identity of Manchester United has been lost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s clearly very knowledgeable and understands the game, we saw that at Ajax, but you have to look at the facts. We get glimpses and then it’s back to square one.“He deals with the stuff off the pitch very well and all respect to him for that, but we need to see the United identity on the pitch.”Former Man Utd striker Giuseppe Rossi says Keane could bring the glory days backCredit: GettyPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Liverpool ‘have £8million offer for Arne Slot REJECTED as Reds make Feyenoord chief their No1 target to replace Klopp’

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly seen an £8million offer for Arne Slot rejected by Feyenoord.The Dutch boss has emerged as the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.Feyenoord have turned down £8million from Liverpool for Arne SlotCredit: GettyLiverpool were thought to be looking at Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim before Slot moved into pole position.And the Eredivisie-winning manager is keen on taking charge at Anfield, just a year after snubbing Tottenham.However, Feyenoord are reluctant to let Slot go and are demanding a tasty fee in return.Liverpool will remain respectful as they look to negotiate a fair price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Athletic claims they have already suffered a blow in their attempts to bring Slot to Merseyside.The Reds have been locked in talks with their Dutch counterparts over the past 24 hours.And earlier today they offered £8m to release Slot from his contract.However, this has been turned down by Feyenoord, who lifted the Dutch Cup at the expense of NEC on Sunday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDespite the setback, Liverpool remain keen on thrashing out a deal.Slot’s attacking football and preference to play 4-3-3 makes him an ideal candidate to replace Klopp.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceThe tactician is widely credited with utilising a “sexy” style of play.And implementing this at Anfield is sure to quickly win over any doubters.Should Liverpool fail to land Slot though, it remains to be seen where they would look next.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be on their shortlist.While Amorim remains an option despite falling down the pecking order.He flew to London for talks with West Ham this week, having been linked with Chelsea too.But Amorim is thought to have turned down West Ham’s advances and returned to Sporting Lisbon the following day.Arne Slot’s managerial statsThose numbers in full:

    Cambuur, 2016-2017: P34 W21 D6 L7

    AZ Alkmaar, 2019-2020: P58 W32 D16 L10

    Feyenoord, 2021-2024: P146 W94 D29 L23

    Trophies: Eredivisie, Dutch Cup (Feyenoord) More