Arne Slot's final comments as Liverpool announces it has made the decision to fire the Dutchman just 12 months after he delivered the Premier League title in his first season
12:50, 30 May 2026Updated 13:12, 30 May 2026
Arne Slot
Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arne Slot's final words as Liverpool manager have emerged after the club made the stunning decision to sack him just one year after he delivered the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield.
The 47-year-old Dutchman succeeded the legendary Jurgen Klopp ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and enjoyed a dream start, guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge.
But his second year at Anfield proved far more difficult, with an inconsistent transfer window, reported tensions involving star forward Mohamed Salah, and a mounting injury list contributing to a disappointing season that ended without silverware and with the Reds finishing fifth in the table.
Despite growing calls for the club to part ways with Slot, he believed he would be in charge next season. Following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brentford on the final day of the campaign, the Dutchman was asked whether he would look to change his approach next season.
He replied: "There doesn't need to be a reset, but I do know football has evolved and changed. We have to make sure we can compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again next season, with our own brand of football.
"We also have to take into account that our brand of football is one that our fans like, so long as that goes together with competing for the trophies we want to compete for." On a personal level, Slot also said he was eager to continue developing and improving his squad next season.
Liverpool ended the campaign 25 points adrift of Arsenal, while its exits from the Carabao Cup, Champions League and FA Cup were marked by a dismal run that saw the Reds fail to score and concede 11 goals.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot reacts during a English Premier League football match
Arne Slot expected to be in charge at Liverpool next season(Image: PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
After missing out on club legend Xabi Alonso, who instead accepted the Chelsea job, speculation quickly grew that Liverpool could part ways with Slot following a disappointing season. But Liverpool bosses were adamant they were willing to give Slot another chance, which makes the u-turn surprising.
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In a joint statement, Liverpool's ownership group Fenway Sports Group, expressed its gratitude for the success Slot delivered during his tenure and praised the leadership he showed throughout his two years at the helm.
It said: "That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. "The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and — most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves — successful.
"As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.