Tottenham suffer new manager blow as Arne Slot rules himself out of top job

25 May 2023 , 07:39

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Arne Slot has turned down a move to Tottenham (Image: Getty Images)

Tottenham managerial target Arne Slot has announced he wants to stay with Feyenoord in what is another brutal blow for the North London side.

Daniel Levy has been on the hunt for a new permanent boss since late March following Antonio Conte’s acrimonious exit. Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have been put in interim charge in the meantime.

Those appointments have certainly not worked with Spurs falling out of contention for a Champions League place, whilst they could miss out on a European spot totally on the final day of the campaign. They have been scouring the footballing landscape for a new permanent manager and it appeared they had found their man in Feyenoord boss Slot.

It was suggested that Spurs were considering a formal approach for the Dutchman, but Slot has confirmed his desire to stay with his current employers.

Speaking to AD, he said: “I have been hearing a lot of rumours going around about other clubs' interest in me. Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year.

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“There is not - and there has not been - transfer conversation and yesterday’s meeting was exclusively for an extension. All talks with the club have always been only in that sense. I'm looking forward to next season with Feyenoord.”

Arne Slot will now stay with Feyenoord despite interest from Spurs (Getty Images)

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Slot’s announcement is the second blow for Spurs as they attempt a summer restructure. The North London side were also chasing Feyenoord's general manager Dennis te Kloese as their new technical director to replace Fabio Paratici.

Spurs were willing to offer a compensation package for the 48-year-old but the Dutch side knocked them back after Te Kloese assured them he would not try to force his departure.

Speaking about Spurs' interest, he said: “I am not going to deny that an offer came in, but I will say straight away that it did not make me consider taking things up again with the family and moving. I joined Feyenoord to build something beautiful - and we are doing that together.

“We are off to a great start and want to achieve even more. It would be strange to stop at Feyenoord so soon.”

Spurs are now running out of options in their pursuit of a new manager. Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso was reported to be in the running for the job. but has since confirmed his commitment to current club Bayer Leverkusen.

Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers have both previously been linked following their sackings by Chelsea and Leicester respectively earlier this season.

Daniel Orme