Arne Slot says he leaves Liverpool among Europe’s elite after sacking

LONDON: Arne Slot said he is departing Liverpool with the club still placed where it should be in European football after being dismissed as head coach, a year after guiding the team to the Premier League title.

Slot was removed from his post on Saturday after a difficult title defence in which Liverpool finished fifth, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. The season included 20 defeats in all competitions, but the club still qualified for next season’s Champions League. Liverpool are expected to begin formal talks this week with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola over the vacancy at Anfield.

In an open letter to supporters published by the Liverpool Echo on Monday, Slot reflected on his time at the club after replacing Jurgen Klopp in 2024. He described winning the league in his first season as a landmark achievement and said the club remained among the continent’s top sides.

Slot said in the letter:

"Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history,"

He added:

"For that we should all be proud."

Slot also wrote:

This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be.

On the team’s current standing, he said:

But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe's elite. Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility.

The 47-year-old also referred to moments off the pitch that marked his spell at Liverpool. He said he had been privileged to see the spirit and unity of the club’s supporters after Paul Doyle drove a car into crowds in the city centre during last year’s title celebrations, injuring scores of fans. Doyle was later jailed for more than 21 years after pleading guilty to 31 offences.

Slot further paid tribute to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain only weeks after the club’s title success. Recalling the aftermath, he said:

In one of the most difficult moments this club has faced, the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary.

He added:

As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.

Slot concluded by thanking supporters for the reception he received during his tenure.

The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' being sung from the Kop.

You made me feel welcome from the start and helped me on the path. That is something I cherish.