Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a message to Arne Slot after the Dutchman was dismissed on Saturday, with the center-back the first to publicly acknowledge the firing
10:37, 31 May 2026Updated 10:49, 31 May 2026
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has become the first Liverpool player to react Arne Slot publicly after the Reds fired their head coach earlier this weekend.
Alongside a picture of himself and Slot after winning the title a year ago, Van Dijk wrote on his Instagram story: "We'll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together. Thank you, Trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future."
After the official confirmation of Slot's shock departure on Saturday, Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, is the first Reds man to acknowledge the exit in public. The process of finding a replacement is already underway.
Mohamed Salah had spoken out a couple of times against Slot, while his social media message criticizing the style of play recently was liked by many of the Reds players.
"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) said in a statement.
"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.
Arne Slot on the bench before Aston Villa vs Liverpool.
Arne Slot on the bench before Aston Villa vs Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it.
"This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.
"At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.
"We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.
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"That accomplishment — made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge — was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.
"He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
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"As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful.
"We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come."