“Didn’t think it was right time” – Director says wife urged him to snub Tottenham

Feyenoord technical director Dennis te Kloese has revealed he rejected an opportunity to join Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year.

Volkskrant have published a detailed interview with the 48-year-old, who also states that Te Kloese’s ‘acquaintances’ are ‘still surprised’ he’s with the Eredivisie winners.

The outlet talks about Tottenham’s interest in bringing the Dutchman to north London and he explains his reasons for snubbing Spurs.

“I didn’t think it was the right time to drag my family somewhere after a good year. The youngest, 7, wears his Feyenoord shirt every day. They also know that I am a bit restless at times. But my wife said at one point: ‘we are not going to do this, friend’,” he said.

On April 7th, the Premier League side confirmed the appointment of Scott Munn as their new chief football officer. Later that month, Fabio Paratici resigned from his position as the club’s managing director of football.

Te Kloese wasn’t the only Feyenoord official targeted by Tottenham this year. They showed keen interest in appointing Arne Slot as their new manager this summer. The latter also turned down Spurs’ approach and signed a new deal with the Dutch champions in May.

The Feyenoord director has now expressed he’s delighted with Slot’s decision to reject the English club.

“It’s no big secret that Leeds United were snooping around on our coach and staff six months ago. And that we also had that in the summer with Tottenham,” Te Kloese explained.

“Arne himself has decided to stay, he still sees a clear sporting challenge here. That speaks for him, and for the club. Of course, we are happy with it. We did a lot to keep him on board.”

On June 6th, Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager.