Arne Slot sends message to Andoni Iraola in emotional letter to Liverpool fans after axe

Arne Slot has told his Liverpool successor that the foundations are there for success at Anfield. The Dutch manager was sacked by the Reds on Saturday after two seasons in charge. Liverpool suffered 20 defeats across all competitions in Slot's second campaign, which they began as Premier League champions, and only managed 60 points. They still qualified for next year's Champions League but the decline in performance levels and a fifth-placed finish was deemed unacceptable after spending over £450million in the summer transfer window.

But Slot is confident that the next Liverpool manager, currently expected to be Andoni Iraola, has a solid base to build from next season. The 47-year-old leaves after 66 wins in 113 matches, with a 58.4 win percentage. That is the fourth best in the club's history, even beating Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly. And the club's ownership said in a statement: "We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.

"The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team's trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach."

Despite his premature exit, given Slot still had 12 months left on his contract, he was keen to say thank you to the Anfield fanbase. The departing head coach said: "It has been a pleasure." Slot also stressed that he's confident of a bright future for the team he leaves behind.

Slot wrote an emotional 688-word open letter to the Liverpool fans, which was published by our sister title the Liverpool Echo this morning.

You can read the letter in full below...

Arne Slot's open letter to Liverpool fans in full

You walk out under that famous sign in the Anfield tunnel, and you feel a mix of emotions.

Responsibility, of course. To this club’s great history.

Expectation, naturally. To honour the legacy that, for 134 years, has made Liverpool FC one of the biggest clubs in world football.

And determination. To compete. To win. To bring success to an Anfield crowd so renowned across the globe.

That all of those emotions would culminate in a Premier League title after just 12 months was beyond special. It was not only a trophy, but a reward for the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by so many people throughout the club.

It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us. Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there. Lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.

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. 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.

That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable. More than anything, I want to remember a team-mate, 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 forever.

The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ being sung from The Kop.

You made me feel welcome from the start and helped me on the path. That is something I cherish.

Of course, it is important to say thank you.

To the players who wore the badge with pride while representing this club across the world. To the staff - not only those on the training ground - but those behind the scenes, whether maintaining the pitches at Anfield or working in the canteen at the training ground.

To the club hierarchy and ownership for your trust and direction. To the legends who supported me and impressed upon me the importance of The Liverpool Way.

It has been a pleasure working with you all.

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: amongst 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.

Arne.