Arne Slot has said the connection he shares with Liverpool and the club’s fans “goes beyond football”.
The Dutchman was sacked as head coach at Anfield on Saturday, 12 months on from winning only the club’s second title in 35 years after a pitiful defence ended with them stumbling to a fifth-placed finish.
In an open letter to fans in the Liverpool Echo, he said winning the Premier League title was “beyond special”.
Slot wrote: “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.”
Slot said winning the title was “even more meaningful” because fans were able to share in the celebrations after the 2020 title success during the pandemic.
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Jamie Redknapp admits he was surprised to hear that Liverpool had sacked head coach Slot
He described the “shocking” events when 134 supporters were injured as Paul Doyle drove into them on Water Street in the city centre during celebrations. Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months after he pleaded guilty to 31 offences.
“I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity,” Slot wrote. “It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult moments before, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years.”
Slot also described the “love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family” following the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash as “extraordinary” and that the way the fans honoured the player would stay with him forever.
Slot pays tribute to players, staff and Liverpool owners
As well as thanking fans, Slot paid tribute to players, staff and the club’s owners.
“It has been a pleasure working with you all,” he said.
“Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that we should all be proud.
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Paul Merson reacts to Slot’s sacking and thinks he should have been given more time to turn around their fortunes, while also revealing how he thinks Iraola would get on if he is given the job
“I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.
“At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.”
Carra: An elite manager would have fixed Liverpool
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Jamie Carragher gives his thoughts on Slot being sacked by Liverpool, stating he was ‘shocked’ and the effect fan and player power may have had on the decision
Jamie Carragher was shocked by Slot’s sacking but believes an elite manager would have fixed Liverpool last season.
“I was torn on Arne Slot,” he said. “I would have almost backed any decision and I could see both sides of the argument, but it is a shock.
“I think an elite football manager, the absolute creme de la creme, probably finds a way of fixing Liverpool last season at some stage and making it better, but he wasn’t helped with recruitment.
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Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor explains why Liverpool have decided to move on from Slot
“You look at those players, have any of them done well? There’s only (Hugo) Ekitike who’s played well, none of the others have done well. You could put that on the manager, does he need to get more out of them?
“Should those players have done more? A lot more, yes. Should the people above them have given them a better squad going into this season? Yes.
“There’s a lot of people to point the fingers at where Liverpool were last season, and also the players who were there the year before, a complete contrast in their performances.”
Liverpool due to begin formal talks with Iraola this week
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With Andoni Iraola being linked with the Liverpool job, Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam analyses how his style of play compares to Jurgen Klopp and Slot
Meanwhile, Liverpool are due to begin formal talks with Andoni Iraola this week.
The out-of-contract Bournemouth boss is the clear frontrunner to replace Slot.
The Spaniard has been in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen after appearing to cool talks with AC Milan. However, amid those talks, Sky in Italy reported Iraola was still open to the Liverpool job despite no vacancy being open at Anfield at the time.
Now it is – and Iraola has a strong relationship with Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes after their time together at Bournemouth.
Hughes convinced Bournemouth to hire Iraola from Rayo Vallacano in 2023. He has since done a remarkable job, putting Bournemouth in the Europa League via a sixth-placed finish.
Iraola has also had Crystal Palace as an option but they have always expected him to join a bigger club – even after they won the Conference League.
Iraola comes with risk for Liverpool – but Slot had to go
Iraola is set to begin talks with Liverpool this week
Adam Bate reflects on Liverpool’s decision to sack Slot and looks at why Iraola is seen as an exciting option to replace him; the appointment would be viewed as a gamble by some but supporters want to see a major change of style at Anfield…
Read the feature in full here!
