Arne Slott has been sacked by Liverpool a year after winning the Premier League, with club captain Virgil van Dijk reacting to the news in a post on social media.
Virgil van Dijk thanked Arne Slott after being sacked by Liverpool (Image: PA)
Virgil van Dijk has thanked Arne Slott after he was sacked as Liverpool’s head coach. The Reds captain became the first player to send a message of thanks to the tactician who led them to the Premier League title.
Less than 24 hours after news of Slott’s sacking broke, the central defender sent a message to his fellow Dutchman. The 47-year-old was sacked less than a week after the season ended following a 1-1 home draw with Brentford. The points secured the Reds a spot in the Champions League, but six days later the Anfield bosses wielded the ax and sacked the Premier League winners.
Liverpool were unable to successfully defend their Premier League title and languished in 5th place in the league. Pressure was mounting on Slott following a series of poor performances and disappointing results, but he maintained the support of the board until the end of the season. Van Dijk became the first Liverpool player to express his gratitude to Slott.
In a post on his Instagram Story, he said: “I’ll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together. Thank you, Trainer, and I wish you and your family all the best for the future.”
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Slott’s second season in England’s top flight was a difficult one, but the challenge became even greater towards the second half of the season when the first signs of friction with Mohamed Salah appeared.
The Egyptian made the incendiary comments after being left on the bench in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United. He was left out of the squad that traveled to Milan in the Champions League and returned on the eve of the African Cup of Nations.
Salah returned to the team, but his two-year contract was terminated midway through, allowing him to leave for free this summer. The 33-year-old fired one more parting shot before departing, calling out declining standards at Anfield and calling for the return of heavy metal football.
Andoni Iraola has been named as a potential replacement for Slott, with the Spaniard said to have a front-foot attacking philosophy that suits Liverpool’s style of play. Although no decision has been made yet, Liverpool’s board paid tribute to the Dutchman in a joint statement.
Virgil van Dijk posted on social media after Arne Slott’s sacking (Image: Virgil Van Dijk/Instagram)
Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slott after Liverpool are expelled from the FA Cup
“It goes without saying that this was a difficult decision for us as a club. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC during his time with us has been important, meaningful and above all a success for our supporters and ourselves.”
“Therefore, we could not be more grateful for everything he has achieved, especially as it is underpinned by a level of work ethic, diligence and expertise that further underlines our view that he is a leader in his field. From the moment we first met Arne, we could immediately see that he was someone who not only accepted responsibility, but embraced it.”
“This was clear when he agreed to become head coach, when he led us to the Premier League title, and when he faced considerable challenges and burdens at the end of the season. At the same time, we all came to the same conclusion that changes were necessary if the club was to continue moving forward. “Once again, I must stress that this is not a decision taken lightly.
Arne Slott helped Liverpool win the title in their first year (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“I would like to take this opportunity to put on record my gratitude to Mr. Arne, who will always have a special place in the history of this football club as the manager who led Liverpool to their 20th league title. That achievement is all the more remarkable because it was his first season in charge, but it was built on his outstanding coaching and leadership every day.”
“He also guided the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the passing of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that period says a lot about him as a person. We can therefore only wish Arne every success in the next phase of his coaching career and look forward to his continued success.”
“We do so knowing that his achievements at Liverpool remain intact and will be even more relevant in the years and decades to come. Nevertheless, the conclusions we have reached are based on the belief that it is best to reorient the team’s trajectory. It doesn’t diminish the work Arne has done here or the respect we have for him, and it doesn’t reflect on his talent. Rather, it shows the need for a different approach.”
“Arn leaves with a grateful heart, a Premier League title to his name, and knowing that he and his family will always be welcome back to Anfield.”
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