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‘It’s an open secret’ that Arne Slot is considered a contender to be Ajax’s next manager

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Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool, and the noise around a potential sacking continues to grow.

The results aren’t improving, and the Dutchman has been on the receiving end of the lion’s share of blame.

While calls from pundits to sack Slot echo around online, Liverpool are not yet at the stage where a departure feels close or settled. But that does not stop other clubs from thinking ahead if the situation changes.

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That is where Ajax come into it, with De Telegraaf claiming it is “an open secret” that Jordi Cruyff is very charmed by Slot and Erik ten Hag as candidates for the club’s next manager.

Ajax already appear to have Slot in mind

If Slot is deemed unfit for the role of Liverpool manager past this season, he might not be waiting long before making a return to management, with Dutch giants Ajax said to be admirers.

Journalist Mike Verweij explains: “It is an open secret that Jordi Cruyff is very charmed by Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.

“I think they are the only two Dutch candidates he currently sees as suitable for Ajax’s managerial position. Otherwise, he will look abroad. In this case, that might well be Spain, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.”

Arne Slot applauds supporters after Liverpool's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

That gives the story far more weight than a passing mention or a loose rumour. It places the Liverpool manager in a defined group rather than on a long list of possible names.

The 47-year-old is a proven coach in the Eredivisie and would give the Amsterdam outfit every chance of returning to the summit of Dutch football after a period of inconsistency. FSG are firm on keeping Slot at the club, but if things change…

This is not a new idea if Liverpool do move on

Valentijn Driessen adds another layer by making clear that Slot had already been on Marc Overmars’ list before Feyenoord moved first. It shows this is not a sudden reaction to events at Liverpool.

He remarks: “Slot was already on Overmars’ list back then, but Feyenoord beat him to it. In that respect, it doesn’t sound strange to me that he would be a candidate. And certainly not if he leaves Liverpool,”

This news does not suggest Ajax are about to make a move tomorrow. It says the groundwork is already there if the situation shifts and Slot becomes available.

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Jurgen Klopp celebrates with Liverpool supporters after the Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage (Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield).
Xabi Alonso gives a thumbs up before Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga match against St Pauli (Credit: Getty Images/Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield/Jurgen Fromme/Firo Sportphoto

Slot may still stay in place through the end of the season, but Ajax do not look like needing much convincing if his name comes into play. If he leaves Anfield, they are ready to pounce.