Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed he held talks over the vacant Netherlands job but withdrew because he wants his next role to be in club football. The Dutchman, 47, guided the Reds to their 20th league title in his debut season, though he was sacked on 30 May after a fifth‑place finish in the Premier League. Ronald Koeman stepped down from his second spell as Netherlands manager after a World Cup exit to Morocco in June.

Slot denied reports that he pulled out due to a contract dispute, telling Voetbal International that speculation was incorrect and they never reached that stage. He added that at this career stage he prefers being on the training pitch daily, something a national team cannot offer in the same way. While expressing enormous respect for the KNVB and the national team, Slot left the door open for a future move.

Former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is now reportedly in talks with the KNVB, according to Dutch media.