Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool, leaving his former assistant Etienne Reijnen without a job after the coach had already left Feyenoord to join the Reds
Connor O'Neill Senior Sports Content Creator
07:31, 04 Jun 2026Updated 07:41, 04 Jun 2026
Etienne Reijnen was on his way to Liverpool
Etienne Reijnen was on his way to Liverpool(Image: BSR Agency, Getty Images)
Etienne Reijnen had uprooted his life in the Netherlands to relocate to Merseyside – yet he now finds himself unemployed following Arne Slot's dismissal from Liverpool. Slot was relieved of his duties at Anfield on Saturday after a disappointing title defence in the Premier League.
The decision was made on the basis that Liverpool's hierarchy believe a fresh approach offers the best path forward, feeling the squad needs to evolve towards a more aggressive, front-foot and urgent style of play. The move also followed a season in which the Reds suffered 19 defeats.
Reijnen, however, had been preparing to make the move to Merseyside to join up with Slot. Having previously worked alongside Robin van Persie at Feyenoord, he departed his role at the Dutch club back in May with Liverpool in mind.
Slot had initially sought to bring Reijnen to Anfield when he took charge in 2024, but the 39 year old was refused a work permit at the time.
With Slot now gone, the move to Merseyside will not be happening, and a return to Feyenoord appears equally unlikely. According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, his former position at the club has already been filled, leaving him without employment.
Meanwhile, Van Persie's own future at Feyenoord remains unclear. Devy Rigaux, the club's new technical director, recently acknowledged: "We will take the time to analyse everything that has taken place here over the past season. In that regard, it is now up to us to get things clear and sharp before we make a decision."
Slot, meanwhile, penned an open letter to supporters over the weekend, in which he said: "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."
Arne Slot
Arne Slot was axed last week(Image: (Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
Alongside his thanks to supporters, Slot also paid tribute to players, staff and the club's owners, stating: "It has been a pleasure working with you all.
"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.
"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.
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"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."