This Sunday, English football will witness a unique twist on one of its most storied rivalries. Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag and Liverpool’s Arne Slot, both hailing from the Netherlands, will face off in a clash that brings a fresh Dutch perspective to the historic Manchester United vs. Liverpool rivalry.
The two managers, both born in the eastern part of the Netherlands, began their managerial careers in the Dutch Second Division, where their paths first crossed. Slot, known for his innovative tactics, reached the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup with SC Cambuur. Ten Hag, on the other hand, earned recognition by guiding Go Ahead Eagles to the Eredivisie, a success that led him to Bayern Munich’s reserve team under Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s influence on both managers is evident. Ten Hag and Slot, both inspired by Guardiola’s footballing philosophy, have incorporated aspects of his style into their own approaches. This influence will be particularly intriguing as they prepare for their first Premier League encounter.
Their first significant meeting took place on January 25, 2017, in a Dutch Cup quarter-final. Slot, then in a co-interim role with SC Cambuur, and Ten Hag, managing FC Utrecht, were at the center of a historic moment. In a tightly contested match, a controversial penalty decision led to the first-ever use of VAR in Dutch football. The decision, reversed after a review, saw Utrecht equalize, but Cambuur ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout. Slot’s tactical acumen was evident as his side utilized a dynamic 4-3-3 formation that created significant space and confusion for opponents.
Despite being on the losing side that day, Ten Hag showed his tactical prowess later that year. His innovative use of a 5-3-2 formation against Ajax, a departure from Utrecht’s usual 4-4-2, led to a memorable 2-1 victory. This adaptability impressed many and paved the way for Ten Hag’s appointment at Ajax shortly after.
The following seasons saw the rivalry continue. Slot’s tenure at AZ Alkmaar was marked by notable success, including two victories over Ten Hag’s Ajax. However, the season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, with both teams finishing level on points. Slot’s achievements at AZ earned him a move to Feyenoord, where he reached the Conference League final and faced Ten Hag’s Ajax twice in the league, with Ten Hag’s team emerging victorious on both occasions.
Now, as they prepare for their first Premier League clash, fans are eager to see how their styles will translate to English football. In pre-season, Liverpool gained an early advantage with a 3-0 victory over United in Columbia, South Carolina, but the stakes will be significantly higher in this league encounter.
Former colleagues of both managers highlight their similarities in tactical and man-management skills. René Ponk, who worked with Slot, praised his ability to listen and delegate effectively, noting his forward-thinking approach. Similarly, Urby Emanuelson commended Ten Hag for his innovative tactics and ability to adapt formations to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Both managers are respected not only for their tactical acumen but also for their personal qualities. Emanuelson described Ten Hag as a sincere, approachable figure, while Ponk depicted Slot as a fair and respectful leader who maintains strong personal connections with his players.
As Ten Hag and Slot renew their rivalry in the Premier League, football fans will be keenly watching to see who will claim early bragging rights in this intriguing Dutch north-west English showdown.
