Dutch journalist slams LAZY English reporting around Arne Slot

Sections of the Dutch press are expressing frustration with the English media's portrayal of Feyenoord coach Arne Slot, amid reports of his impending move to Liverpool.

The Merseyside club's approach for the 45-year-old Dutchman caught many by surprise after Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim had emerged as the overwhelming favourite for the job following Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso committing his future to the Bundesliga club.

According to Voetbal International journalist Süleyman Özturk, as quoted by FC Update, this has highlighted what he perceives to be a lack of understanding and appreciation for Slot's achievements in the Eredivisie, a league not widely followed in England.

'Islanders'

Speaking on a show streamed live on YouTube, Özturk singled out the English press and analysts for their seemingly shallow analysis of Slot's potential move to Liverpool.

“About the English, you can say that they are islanders, and they have a habit of not looking beyond the island," he said in a damning condemnation.

"The English clubs are a bit more advanced than the public and analysts, because a lot of nonsense comes out.”

Robbie Fowler had to Google Slot

Particularly striking were Özturk's comments targeting Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who admitted to having to look Arne Slot up on Google.

Özturk found such ignorance unacceptable, suggesting it merited removal from broadcasting roles.

“That you don’t know Arne Slot? For me, that’s a reason to take you off the air," he said.

"Whatever country you live or work in, that’s just crazy.”

Fans should be excited

Nonetheless, Özturk showed some leniency towards Liverpool fans unfamiliar with the Dutchman.

Slot has only had two jobs as a first-team coach, and both of them were in the Netherlands; he was in charge of AZ Alkmaar until taking over Feyenoord in 2021.

“That Slot is not known to the Liverpool public, I understand that," he said.

"If you’re a Liverpool fan, and you sit down to watch Feyenoord, then you’d have a strange hobby."

That said, Özturk urged fans and critics alike to research Slot, slamming descriptions of him as 'Erik ten Hag 2.0'.

"If you don’t know someone, you go and see what he looks like [...] You have to immerse yourself in him.”