Erik ten Hag gives brutal response about Liverpool’s new appointment

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised Liverpool’s incoming manager Arne Slot, but brutally responded ‘no’ when asked whether he’d contacted the Dutch coach to congratulate him.

An official agreement for Slot to join Liverpool from Feyenoord is still yet to be agreed, but the announcement Jurgen Klopp will be replaced by the 45-year-old is expected imminently.

Klopp’s last season in charge of Liverpool has been derailed in recent weeks. Many feel it began to collapse after United knocked out their Merseyside rivals with a 4-3 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a game in which Amad scored a winning goal in the dying seconds of extra time.

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“He’s cracking… Jurgen’s cracking up,” has been heard at Old Trafford. The German manager is set to leave Liverpool having won just the Carabao Cup in his farewell campaign.

In an interview this week, Ten Hag was asked about Slot by Swedish channel Viaplay and said: “It’s fantastic for him. It’s confirmation and recognition of his qualities. It’s fantastic for Dutch football too.” When asked whether he’d congratulated him, Ten Hag brutally responded: “No.”

Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford was also on the agenda, along with a question about a potential return to his former club Ajax, who he won multiple major trophies with.

“I signed my contract and I am not a person who walks away,” said Ten Hag. “So I assume that I will be at Manchester United next season.

“Ever since I have been at Manchester United, we approach our games in an attacking way. We create many chances, like we did against Burnley. We also concede many goals. It’s open and it’s fun to look at.”

After denying contact with Ajax, Ten Hag was asked if he saw a future return to Amsterdam and added: “Yes, why not? I had a very good period at Ajax.

“I was able to work there in a very pleasant way. It is a fascinating club with many possibilities.”

There have been nine Dutch managers to coach in the Premier League and the most successful have been Louis van Gaal and Guus Hiddink.

Ten Hag faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford and could be sacked this summer.