Virgil van Dijk admits the news of Arne Slot‘s sacking took him by surprise, with the Dutchman revealing that he learned of his departure after most fans did.
As Liverpool captain, Van Dijk was first to share a parting message to Slot on social media after the head coach was dismissed on Saturday.
His was a short message to his countryman, but the 34-year-old had already made contact with his fellow countryman along with assistant Sipke Hulshoff in private.
But speaking after Netherlands’ 1-0 friendly loss to Algeria on Wednesday, Van Dijk revealed he had been “surprised” by the news of Slot’s sacking.
“I landed in Amsterdam Saturday afternoon, and by then it had already leaked,” he told reporters, as relayed by AD, VI and De Telegraaf.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“After that, of course, I had conversations. But the decision had already been made earlier. It’s not like they asked me about it.
“I spoke with Arne and with Sipke. That is the most important thing to me.
“I am very grateful to them, for everything they have meant, not only to me but also to the club. I wish them nothing but success.
“Hopefully, the club Liverpool will come out of this well, because this season was below-par as a club.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The news of Slot’s sacking was first reported by Fabrizio Romano, who posted an exclusive on X at 12.09pm on Saturday – with Liverpool then confirming their decision at 12.27pm.
There is a sense that the club’s hand was forced when it came to their announcement, with Van Dijk expressing his frustration that he found out “through the media.”
“That I’m hearing about it through the media…I think that’s the world we live in,” he continued.
“Everyone wants to be the first. There are a lot of people who benefit from that.”
Van Dijk will now lead the club under a new head coach, with Andoni Iraola set to sign a two-year contract on Thursday morning ahead of his unveiling.
The 34-year-old is unlikely to meet Iraola until at least mid-July, however, as he is poised to captain the Netherlands at the World Cup.
It means he will arrive after the start of pre-season and, like many of his team-mates, then adjust to the demands of a new head coach with a high-intensity style of play with preparations already underway.
Slot, meanwhile, has already been linked with the AC Milan job, while there is further speculation that he could replace Ronald Koeman as Netherlands manager if he leaves after the World Cup.