Arne Slot has confirmed he held discussions with the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) over the vacant Netherlands head coach position but has decided his next role will be in club football, ending speculation about a move into international management.
The 47-year-old issued a statement denying reports that negotiations had collapsed over a dispute regarding salary and contract terms, calling such speculation incorrect and saying talks never reached that stage. Slot, who was dismissed by Liverpool on 30 May after a disappointing second season, said he prefers working daily on the training pitch and informed the KNVB of his preference within a week of their first conversation. He added that representing his country would be a great honour but this was not the right moment.
The vacancy arose after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the Netherlands' World Cup exit to Morocco in June. Former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is now reportedly in talks with the KNVB.