Arne Slot was sacked by Liverpool on Saturday after a review into a troubled season that included 20 losses in all competitions, with Virgil van Dijk and several teammates posting heartfelt messages—while Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai had yet to respond
Virgil van Dijk posted a photo with Arne Slot—just weeks after Liverpool’s Premier League title win together—because the Dutchman’s departure has landed with a jolt.
Slot was dismissed by the club on Saturday, a year after he led Liverpool to their Premier League triumph. The news came after the Reds were told he was being relieved of his duties following a poor season that saw them lose 20 matches across all competitions. Liverpool’s decision followed a review into their troubled campaign led by Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards. chief executive of football at the club’s owners. Fenway Sports Group.
For many players, the timing has been the hardest part. Daily Mail Sport reported that the sacking came as a surprise to much of the squad, who believed Slot had weathered the storm of recent weeks.
In the hours that followed, multiple Liverpool stars took to social media to thank their former coach. Van Dijk wrote: “We’ll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together. Thank you, trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future.”
Ryan Gravenberch—another member of the Dutch contingent—posted: “Thank you for everything, coach! Lifting the Premier League trophy together was an incredible achievement and a moment I’ll never forget. Wishing you all the best for the future.”
Curtis Jones shared a snap of himself and Slot embracing, saying: “Thank you and all the best for the future. Respect you as a man for what you gave our club.”
Alexis Mac Allister. who had been a key figure under Slot last season but whose struggles this time around reflected the wider dip in form. added: “I’ll always be grateful for the time we spent together. Winning a Premier League is not easy and you were a big part of that success. Thank you and wish you all the best.”.
Cody Gakpo, a player Slot often relied upon, wrote: “Thank you, coach. Wishing you all the best for the future. God bless.”
Hugo Ekitike—one of last summer’s big-money signings who has “perhaps” been among the few to shine this season—shared: “Thank you for everything you taught me and for the time you gave me, both on and off the pitch. I wish you all the very best coach.”
Not every message has come yet. Mohamed Salah did not post anything about Slot at the time of writing on Sunday night. despite his reputation as a frequent critic of the Dutchman. Earlier this month. Salah had posted an outburst advocating a return to Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal attacking team” in a social media post.
Salah did, however, share an Instagram story hailing Ibrahima Konate. Konate’s own departure from Anfield was announced on Sunday. Dominik Szoboszlai was also yet to pay tribute to Slot by the time of writing.
While the emotional tributes played out online, Liverpool were already looking forward. Daily Mail Sport reported on Sunday that Liverpool are set to open formal talks with Andoni Iraola this week as they prepare to announce Slot’s replacement as soon as possible.
Iraola, who announced in April he was leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season after turning down offers to extend his contract, is Liverpool’s top target. The club will now formalise their approach for the 43-year-old in the coming days.
The Bournemouth head coach’s credentials were plain: he led Bournemouth to the Europa League via a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, finishing just three points behind Liverpool. He also masterminded a 3-2 win over the Reds at the Vitality Stadium in January, when the clubs last met.
Iraola is said to be keen on taking the Anfield job. Crystal Palace have made him an offer after Oliver Glasner’s departure, and were hoping for an answer from the Spaniard this weekend. He has also spoken with AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
If Iraola takes over, it would be his fifth managerial job. He has previously worked with AEK Larnaca, Spanish clubs Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano, and Bournemouth.
Bournemouth’s brand has attracted attention across the Premier League for its attacking at pace, and a new appointment could mean a noticeable shift at Anfield after Slot’s removal one year on from the title celebrations that players like Van Dijk still refuse to forget.
Arne Slot Liverpool Virgil van Dijk Mohamed Salah Ryan Gravenberch Curtis Jones Alexis Mac Allister Cody Gakpo Hugo Ekitike Dominik Szoboszlai Andoni Iraola Bournemouth Crystal Palace Europa League
So they win the title then sack him like that? Makes no sense.
I saw van Dijk posted something and I’m like okay so it’s official. But why didn’t Salah say anything yet? Maybe he’s mad or injured or something.
Wait… they sacked Slot after 20 losses but he already won the Premier League like weeks before? I feel like the whole thing is just drama, like ownership gets bored. Also Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards doing a review sounds like corporate speak for “we messed up.”
Maybe it’s just because they lost so many, but I swear half these players act like they’re loyal then go quiet. Van Dijk tribute is nice though, but didn’t he also say some stuff like right before? And why is it always the Dutch guys posting first, like the rest are on delay? Daily Mail probably got it wrong anyway, but yeah what a jolt.