Howe has confirmed that he has not been contacted by the FA regarding the England managerial position. In the latest football news, Liverpool's
Arne Slot was the first
Premier League manager to address the press today, where he defended Virgil van Dijk's decision to join the Netherlands national team early after receiving a red card in their match against Hungary.
Slot remarked that while it may seem surprising to those outside of the Netherlands, the Dutch media is known for its critical nature. He emphasized that
Van Dijk has performed well for the national team and deserves a break, especially considering his consistent contributions, including his participation in the Euros.
He noted that the current Dutch squad is young and possesses significant talent, with many players on long-term contracts. Despite facing criticism in recent years, Slot believes they are now a formidable contender for the top three or four positions in the league and will continue to improve if they can attract quality players.
Slot also mentioned that it is unfair to judge a team based on just a few matches, suggesting that a more accurate assessment should come after a series of games. He pointed out that in the last two seasons, only
Manchester City and Arsenal have consistently demonstrated their capabilities in both the
Champions League and Premier League.
Regarding the England situation, Slot stated that the FA must make decisions that are right for them, and he respects their processes. His focus remains on Newcastle and winning matches, emphasizing the importance of being fully concentrated on his work.
He also spoke highly of
Thomas Tuchel, expressing admiration for his coaching abilities and the time he spent observing him at Chelsea, describing him as a brilliant person and coach.
Question 1: What did Liverpool's manager Arne Slot say about Virgil van Dijk's early departure to the Netherlands camp?
Arne Slot defended Virgil van Dijk's decision to leave early, stating that the Dutch media tends to criticize players and that van Dijk deserves recognition for his good performances for the national team. He emphasized that it is normal for players to take a few days off, especially after a demanding schedule.
Question 2: How does Arne Slot view the potential of his team in the Premier League?
Slot believes that his young team has a lot of quality and long-term contracts, making them a significant threat for top positions in the league. He mentioned that judging the team should be based on a longer stretch of games rather than just a few matches.
Question 3: What was Slot's perspective on the England national team's decision-making process regarding their coaching situation?
Slot stated that England must do what is right for them and that he would not analyze their processes or decisions. He emphasized his focus on Newcastle and the importance of being fully concentrated on winning games.
Question 4: What did Slot say about his relationship with Thomas Tuchel?
Slot expressed admiration for Thomas Tuchel, describing him as a brilliant person and a great coach. He shared that he had the opportunity to observe Tuchel's work at Chelsea and found the experience fascinating and enjoyable.