Liverpool fired Arne Slot over the weekend and the Dutch coach has penned an open letter to fans after two years in charge, in which he won the Premier League title
07:36, 01 Jun 2026Updated 07:51, 01 Jun 2026
Arne Slot looks on during a game at Anfield.
Arne Slot was fired by Liverpool on May 30.(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has penned an emotional open letter to supporters as a way of saying goodbye after he was fired by the Anfield side this weekend.
Slot was never going to be removed from his position during the season, but it was determined following a review of a tough campaign that he was no longer the right man for the job. The decision was made public on Saturday shortly after the 47-year-old was made aware himself.
Liverpool chiefs, it is understood, believe that the style of play needs to be more aggressive. It was therefore decided that Slot was no longer the best fit to move forward with, and ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to take over.
Writing to fans in the Liverpool ECHO, Slot says: "You walk out under that famous sign in the Anfield tunnel, and you feel a mix of emotions. Responsibility, of course. To this club’s great history.
"Expectation, naturally. To honor the legacy that, for 134 years, has made Liverpool FC one of the biggest clubs in world football. And determination. To compete. To win. To bring success to an Anfield crowd so renowned across the globe.
"That all of those emotions would culminate in a Premier League title after just 12 months was beyond special. It was not only a trophy, but a reward for the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by so many people throughout the club.
"It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us. Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there. Lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.
Arne Slot and his assistants on the Liverpool bench.
Arne Slot and his assistants on the Liverpool bench.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"Having had much of that taken from you in 2020, it was never lost on me how much it mattered that you were part of it all. Seeing you come together in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that idea."
Liverpool won the title 12 months ago and Slot then oversaw a difficult summer. There was first the incident at the parade and then the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
"What [happened] on Water Street was shocking and my thoughts remain with all of those affected," Slot continued. "I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity.
"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.
"That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable. More than anything, I want to remember a team-mate, a friend and an incredible human being who touched the lives of thousands of you every time he wore this club’s famous crest.
"In one of the most difficult moments this club has faced, the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary. As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honored Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.
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"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 went on to thank everyone at the club before pointing to a bright future, set up by a fifth-place finish being enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season.
"Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history," he said. "For that we should all be proud. This club will always judge itself by the biggest honors. That is how it should be.
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"But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite. Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond.
"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."