Arne Slot explains why he rejected Tottenham: “There’s no going higher than Liverpool”

Although Slot officially took over from Jürgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, he could have joined the Premier League a year earlier. The Dutch coach was approached by Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, but ultimately declined the offer — a decision he now attributes largely to his family.

“I said no to Spurs 99% because of my family”

Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, Slot confirmed that he received a formal offer from Tottenham last summer. At the time, he had just led Feyenoord to their first league title in years and was attracting widespread interest. But Slot revealed that his children had reservations about moving to London:

“It was 99% a family decision. I told my kids they could visit London during the holidays. My daughter said, ‘But I want to do things with my friends during the holidays.’ That told me everything I needed to know.”

Slot also admitted that moving directly from Feyenoord to a club of Tottenham’s size would have been a major step, and he wasn’t sure the timing was right:

“Back then, I already felt that making that kind of move was a big deal. Who goes straight from Feyenoord to Tottenham? But when Liverpool came along last season, everything was completely different.”

“There’s nowhere to go above Liverpool”

Slot says there was no hesitation when Liverpool made their approach in 2024. He described the opportunity to manage at Anfield as one that stands above all others:

“There’s no going higher than Liverpool. When that opportunity came, the decision wasn’t difficult.”

Tottenham turned to Postecoglou — but results faltered

After Slot declined the job, Spurs turned to Ange Postecoglou. The Australian led the club to a UEFA Europa League title but struggled domestically. Tottenham finished the 2024–25 Premier League season in 17th place — 46 points behind Liverpool.

The club have yet to clarify whether Postecoglou will remain in charge heading into the new season.