Liverpool boss Arne Slot decides against copying Erik ten Hag as £30m ace speaks out

Liverpool are not expected to complete a summer move for Feyenoord defender David Hancko, with Arne Slot taking a different approach to Erik ten Hag when it comes to recruitment. The latter has made a habit of signing his former players at Manchester United with varying degrees of success.

Ten Hag has already signed the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Antony, who followed him from Ajax in the summer of 2022. He is also said to be keen on bringing Matthijs de Ligt to Old Trafford, with United having already made an initial offer for his signature.

It seems Slot has decided to take a different approach to his fellow Dutchman despite being linked with a move for Feyenoord defender Hancko. The Slovakia international, who is valued at £30million by Transfermarkt, excelled under Slot’s guidance last season and has been tipped to follow his former boss to Anfield this summer.

However, in an interview with Voetbal International, Hancko played down the idea after getting the impression that Liverpool are not interested in signing players in his position.

“I think in three years he [Slot] will be mentioned as one of the best coaches in the world,” he said. “I see that happening because I know what he did for us and now he has the biggest platform to show it. I have a lot of confidence in him and his staff.

“I don’t express that appreciation because I hope that I go with him to Liverpool, because that chance is small. I spoke to him a few times after the season but I don’t think they are looking for a player in my position. I don’t think a move to Liverpool will happen but I wish him the best good luck, he really is a fantastic coach.”

Hancko went on to offer a telling insight into Slot’s coaching methods, which he believes played a major role in shaping him into the player he is today.

“In the last two years he changed my career, in the way he taught me to play and how I look at football,” he added. “He impressed me in training, in meetings and with his systems. Thanks to him I have grown in several aspects as a footballer.

“You always really look forward to training with him. His playing style and also the videos he shows in team meetings are all so professional. He always shows you what you specifically have to do when the opponent puts pressure in a certain way.

“Then he would say, for example: if they put pressure in this way, we have to find an extra player in this position. He indicated exactly where we had to stand in all kinds of situations. He is so special with these things. He has given me a lot of insights.

“I notice it now with the national team or when I watch matches on TV, that I recognise what teams do, what the defensive team has to do and what the opponent has to do to build up well. This is what he taught me.”