Arne Slot has issued a public statement clarifying his position after being sacked by Liverpool, dismissing reports that suggested he withdrew from prolonged contract negotiations with the Dutch football federation, the KNVB.

The 47-year-old confirmed he held talks with the KNVB about succeeding Ronald Koeman as head coach of the Netherlands, but stressed that discussions never advanced to the stage of negotiating salary or contract length — contrary to what had been widely reported.

"Over the past few weeks, and particularly the past few days, various reports have appeared regarding the vacancy at the Dutch national team, suggesting that I had withdrawn from the process after lengthy negotiations, including regarding salary and contract duration," Slot said, via Voetbal International. "That speculation is incorrect. We simply never reached that stage of the talks."

Club football remains the priority

Slot made clear that his preference is to work on the training pitch daily with players — something a national team role does not offer in the same way. The Netherlands job is now expected to go to Roberto Martinez.

"At this stage of my career, I prefer to see myself on the training pitch with my players every day," Slot added. "For now, I believe that club football still has a lot to offer me. It would be a great honour to represent my country as national coach one day. However, this was not the right moment for me."

He was generous in his praise of the federation, describing the KNVB as professional throughout the process and expressing enormous respect for the national team setup.

A difficult second season on Merseyside

Slot's dismissal from Liverpool came after a turbulent title defence. Having guided the club to their 20th league championship in his debut season — inheriting the squad from Jurgen Klopp — he could not replicate that success, with Liverpool finishing fifth in the Premier League despite spending over £400 million in the transfer market.

A reported falling-out with Mohamed Salah and a trophyless campaign ultimately cost Slot his job. He departed with a win ratio of 58 percent across 113 games in charge.

A decorated club career

Before Liverpool, Slot built an impressive reputation in his homeland. At Feyenoord, he won the Eredivisie and led the club to the inaugural UEFA Conference League final, where they were beaten by Jose Mourinho's Roma. That run of form established him as one of Europe's most coveted coaches and ultimately earned him the move to Merseyside.

Liverpool open the new season against Newcastle United.