Arne Slot wrote in his open letter that it had been a “pleasure” to work with Liverpool’s players and staff.
Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool “exactly where it belongs – among Europe’s elite” – after he was sacked as manager on Saturday.
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The 47-year-old won the Premier League title in his first season, but was dismissed by the club’s management after the Reds finished fifth in the league this season – 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Liverpool will this week begin formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola about becoming the club’s new head coach.
In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, Slot wrote that fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his way.
“It’s something I really appreciate,” he added.
“I leave the club with full confidence in what lies ahead of us.
“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 last.
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Secured Champions League play
Despite 20 defeats in all competitions, Slot secured Liverpool’s place in next season’s Champions League.
“Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and it ensures that Liverpool can continue to compete at the highest level next season and beyond,” he added.
“Change is part of football, but I know this club will continue to make its people proud.
“When I first stood under that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave the club knowing that we never stopped striving for it.
Dream debut at Liverpool
Slot replaced Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in 2024, after the German resigned after nine years as manager.
He got off to a dream start to his time as manager when he delivered the club’s 20th league title in front of a home crowd at Anfield – with four games left to play.
“It became even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us,” Slot wrote.
“You sang our songs, cheered for the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there – along the streets outside the stadium, you filled Anfield in anticipation.
“After so much of it was taken away from you in 2020, it never occurred to me how much it meant that you were a part of it all.
“To see you gather in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that thought.
“Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in the club’s history. For that, we should all be proud.
“This club will always measure itself by the greatest honours. That’s how it should be.
“The bond we share goes beyond football”
In his letter, Slot paid tribute to the late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident along with his brother André Silva while the players were preparing to return for pre-season last summer.
The Norwegian said Jota’s passing was “indescribable” but added that “the love, compassion and support from the Liverpool family was outstanding”.
Slot wrote:
“Now that I am leaving this club, it would be wrong of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.
“The bond we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lamps or the sound of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ sung from The Kop.
Slot also told fans that he was “privileged to witness their spirit of compassion and unity” during the club’s trophy parade in May 2025, when Paul Doyle drove his car into the crowds on Water Street in the city centre.
Doyle was sentenced in December to 21 years and six months in prison on charges that included dangerous driving and intentional bodily harm of a serious nature.
“It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult times before, and a spirit that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have fought for for many years,” he concluded.
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