Feyenoord winger hits out on ‘money’ motivation amid Leeds United contract offer to Arne Slot
Feyenoord winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh has revealed Arne Slot isn’t driven by money after turning down a lucrative contract from Leeds United.
According to De Telegraaf (13 February), the Yorkshire side were prepared to go to great lengths to land the Dutchman, with Leeds set to offer him a £67,000-a-week contract.
However, the former Brighton winger has suggested the Feyenoord boss is looking to win trophies in Holland.
“We are working on something special at Feyenoord, together we can achieve great things,” said Jahanbakhsh (VI, 15 February).
“Not everyone is driven by money. Feyenoord is a big club, but how often was there a championship to celebrate? Twice in the last 25 years, right? I can imagine that the manager wants to become champion, and we players want that too. We can also win the cup and we are still in the Europa League.
“You never know for sure if the chance will come again. That makes it difficult to say no. But if you have confidence in your qualities and you dare to be patient, there will always be another chance. Personally, I think Arne Slot wants to win a prize with Feyenoord.”
Surprise
It was a bit of a surprise to hear of Slot’s refusal to take the Elland Road job. Regardless of Feyenoord’s league position, the chance to work in the Premier League doesn’t come around too often and he may not get another opportunity.
There’s a good chance Leeds would’ve ended their managerial hunt come the summer, which will see a number of potential candidates pass up the chance to move to Elland Road. It’s clear the timing isn’t quite right, but it’s still surprising none of the board’s first choices have taken the risk and backed themselves to steer Leeds away from the relegation zone.
If Michael Skubala can secure the club’s safety, they will be inundated with managerial opportunities come the summer. The Yorkshire side are an extremely attractive proposition and could well kick on if they secure their Premier League status.
Slot’s chance has been and gone, and he’s a name which shouldn’t concern the decision-makers at Elland Road anymore.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.