Slot says he is leaving Liverpool ‘among Europe’s elite’

AFP | London

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Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool “exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite”, in an emotional letter to fans after his sacking as head coach.

The Dutchman was fired on Saturday, 12 months after winning the Premier League, following a miserable title defence which ended in a fifthplaced finish, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Liverpool secured a place in next season’s Champions League.

The club are reportedly set to open formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola over the Anfield vacancy this week.

In an open letter to fans published in the Liverpool Echo yesterday, Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024, said winning the Premier League title in his first season was “beyond special”.

“Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history,” said Slot. “For that we should all be proud. “This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be.

“But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite. Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility.”

Slot, 47, said he was “privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity” after Paul Doyle drove his car through crowds in the city centre during last year’s title celebrations, injuring scores of supporters.

Doyle was jailed for more than 21 years after he pleaded guilty to 31 offences.

Slot also paid tribute to Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain just weeks after Liverpool’s title triumph.