Slot says connection to Liverpool ‘goes beyond football’
Diogo Jota’s death ‘one of club’s most difficult moments’
Arne Slot has claimed Liverpool have the foundations to compete at the highest level for years to come and has thanked supporters for a connection that “goes beyond football”.
Slot was sacked by Liverpool on Saturday 13 months after winning the Premier League title in his debut season, but having also overseen a dramatic decline in his second year. The 47-year-old has responded via an open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, in which he describes the impact of Diogo Jota’s death last summer and the assault on fans after the club’s trophy parade.
In a dignified and classy exit, Slot thanked the fans, players, Liverpool legends and the club hierarchy for their support over the past two years. He also insisted the rebuilding work that commenced last summer would leave Liverpool in a strong position for the seasons ahead.
The Dutch coach wrote: “Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. 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: among Europe’s elite. Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond. I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. 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 endure.
“At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt. Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.
“When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.”
Slot said winning the title was “even more meaningful” because fans were able to share in the celebrations having been denied the opportunity in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. But those celebrations were cut short when 134 supporters were injured as Paul Doyle drove into them on Water Street in the city centre after the trophy parade. Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months after he pleaded guilty to 31 offences.
“Having had much of that taken from you in 2020, it was never lost on me how much it mattered that you were part of it all,” Slot wrote. “Seeing you come together in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that idea.
“What followed on Water Street later that day was shocking and my thoughts remain with all of those affected. I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity. It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult moments before, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years.”
Slot also describes the lasting effects of Jota’s death in a car accident along with his brother, André Silva, last July. He said: “That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable. More than anything, I want to remember a teammate, a friend and an incredible human being who touched the lives of thousands of you every time he wore this club’s famous crest.
“In one of the most difficult moments this club has faced, the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary. As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me for ever.”
