Liverpool players have expressed their gratitude to former head coach Arne Slot following his dismissal on Saturday. The Dutchman was sacked after nearly two years in charge, despite leading the club to the Premier League title in his debut season. A poor run of form during the failed title defence, including 20 losses in all competitions, led to mounting pressure and his eventual exit.
Captain Virgil van Dijk led the tributes, with teenage starlet Rio Ngumoha also posting on Instagram: 'Thank you Gaffer.' Ngumoha, 17, was handed his debut by Slot and became a key player. Summer signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong also thanked the coach, with Ekitike saying: 'Thank you for everything that you taught me and for the time you gave me both on and off the pitch.'
Ryan Gravenberch, who thrived under Slot before a dip in form, said: 'Lifting the Premier League trophy together was an incredible achievement and a moment I'll never forget.' Curtis Jones added: 'Respect you as a man for what you gave our club.'
Slot's departure came as a surprise, with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola named as the frontrunner to replace him. Reflecting on the season, Slot admitted his decisions were not always perfect but were always well-intentioned.
