10 February 2023 , 18:41
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Leeds United's search for a new manager has been dealt a fresh blow with the news that Arne Slot will not be taking the job.
The Whites have been on the lookout for a new boss since sacking Jesse Marsch on February 6. Caretaker boss Michael Skubala was in the dugout for the midweek draw with Manchester United, and looks set to remain there for a second successive league meeting with Erik ten Hag's side.
Mirror Football understands Leeds made an official approach to Feyenoord on Thursday to hold talks with Slot - having already seen an approach for Andoni Iraola rejected by Rayo Vallecano. But Feyenoord turned Leeds' approach down, insisting that they don't want him to leave, and Slot has since declared he'll be staying put.
"I’m staying, I’m just staying trainer of Feyenoord," Slot said at a press conference on Friday. "I can say that now. There has been contact between the clubs, but we are working on something beautiful here.
“ It is a compliment that a club like Leeds United is interested. It is a wonderful club in England, but it is not a disappointment or a punishment to continue at Feyenoord.
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"We are doing very well on many fronts. In the league, we are still in a European tournament. I will continue with great enthusiasm.”
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Arne Slot will not be leaving Feyenoord (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)Feyenoord finished third in the Eredivisie this season, but have taken advantage of uncertainty at reigning champions Ajax after Erik ten Hag's departure for Manchester United. Ten Hag's successor Albert Schreuder was sacked in January after a poor run of form.
The Rotterdam club made last season's Europa Conference League final, losing to Roma, but many members of that squad left over the summer. Luis Sinisterra was one of those to move on, joining Leeds, while Tyrell Malacia and Marcos Senesi also completed Premier League switches.
Slot has dealt well with the upheaval, though, and Feyenoord sit top of the league after losing just one of their opening 20 games. They could yet end the season with more than one trophy, having topped their Europa League group and won a penalty shoot-out to reach the quarter-finals of the KNVB Cup.
Former Leeds coach Carlos Corberan had been one of the early contenders to replace Marsch, only to agree a contract extension at current club West Brom, prompting Leeds sporting director Victor Orta to turn his attention towards Rayo boss Iraola. After seeing a third potential recruit in Slot decide to stay put, the Whites' caretaker team are expected to remain in charge for at least one more game as the Yorkshire club attempt to pull themselves away from a relegation battle.