Arne Slot Inherited a Stronger Team Than I Did

Erik ten Hag believes that Arne Slot will find his transition to Liverpool less challenging than he did when he took over at Manchester United.

Ten Hag reflected on the difficulties he faced upon arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, describing it as “the most difficult thing I will ever do in my life.”

In comparison, he asserts that Slot, who has recently succeeded Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, has joined a team that is currently in “a different phase of the lifecycle.”

The two Dutch managers will meet in the Premier League for the first time this Sunday, as Manchester United hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Discussing his reason for joining United, Ten Hag stated, “That was one of the reasons I wanted to come here, to have this challenge.” He was well aware of the obstacles he would have to face, describing the situation at the club upon his arrival as fraught with issues that needed to be resolved.

When Ten Hag took charge, United was reeling from a dismal season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick, finishing sixth in the Premier League with only 58 points. In stark contrast, Liverpool concluded the previous season in third place under Klopp after winning the Carabao Cup.

Ten Hag took a moment to analyze Slot’s circumstances, saying, “I’m not here to talk for him [Slot], but Liverpool, it’s clear, they are in a different phase of the lifecycle.” He noted that Liverpool boasts a seasoned squad with players who have played together for an extended period, showcasing their experience.

Conversely, Ten Hag’s United squad features a significant mix of players at different stages, requiring a fresh team to be constructed from scratch. “There is a team and the structures are really clear,” he continued. “I think the players, the partnerships, the relationships in that team are very clear, and that is what he inherited, built over the past years.”

During his tenure at United, Ten Hag has experienced ups and downs, securing two trophies but also overseeing the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish last season.

At 54 years old, Ten Hag has made considerable investments in the transfer market, spending over £180 million (approximately $236.3m) on five new players this summer. Despite the heavy spending, he stands firm on the necessity of this squad overhaul.

He explained, “I inherited a history from six years of no trophies, which meant the dressing room and the qualities were not right.” This indicated that a thorough rebuild was vital. “We had to build, we had to construct, to perform and to bring up a higher level,” he added, highlighting both new signings and the integration of academy players into the first team.

According to Ten Hag, the current trajectory of the team shows clear signs of development, stating, “What you see now is that we have brought new players in, many young players, and we are in a lifecycle from the start.” He made it clear that the team is still in transition, with the focus on nurturing young talent to construct a solid foundation for the future.

This weekend’s match will be an important moment for both managers as they navigate their respective challenges, with Ten Hag drawing a clear distinction between the situations at Manchester United and Liverpool. The contrast in their circumstances presents an intriguing backdrop for the encounter at Old Trafford, as both teams look to make their mark in the league.