Arne Slot has written an open letter to Liverpool supporters following his sacking as head coach, declaring that the bond he formed with the club and its fans "goes beyond football."

The Dutch manager was dismissed on Saturday, just one year after guiding Liverpool to only their second league title in 35 years. The defence of that crown collapsed spectacularly, with the club limping to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Writing in the Liverpool Echo, Slot reflected on the depth of his connection to Anfield: "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."

Jota, the title, and a city's resilience

Slot described winning the Premier League title as "beyond special" and said it was "even more meaningful" because supporters could celebrate openly — in contrast to the 2020 triumph during the pandemic, when fans were denied that shared joy.

He addressed the "shocking" scenes when 134 supporters were injured after Paul Doyle drove into a crowd on Water Street during the title celebrations. Doyle was subsequently jailed for 21 years and six months after pleading guilty to 31 offences. "I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity," Slot wrote.

The former head coach also paid tribute to the Liverpool supporters following the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash, calling the love and solidarity shown by the club's fanbase "extraordinary."

Tribute to players, staff, and owners

Slot reserved warm words for players, coaching staff, and the club's ownership. "Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history," he wrote. "I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club... have built foundations that will endure."

He also acknowledged the emergence of a younger generation of players, stating they were ready to "write their own story" in a Liverpool shirt.

Carragher weighs in on the sacking

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described himself as conflicted over the decision, while acknowledging it came as a surprise. "I think an elite football manager, the absolute creme de la creme, probably finds a way of fixing Liverpool last season at some stage," Carragher said. "But he wasn't helped with recruitment."

Carragher was also critical of the players brought in during Slot's tenure, noting that only Hugo Ekitike performed to a satisfactory level, and spread the blame across the squad, the manager, and those responsible for transfers.

Iraola frontrunner to take over at Anfield

Liverpool are set to begin formal talks with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola this week, with the Spaniard considered the clear favourite to succeed Slot. Iraola is out of contract at Bournemouth, where he arrived from Rayo Vallacano in 2023 after Liverpool's director of football Richard Hughes — who worked with him at Bournemouth previously — convinced the club to make the appointment.

Iraola has since guided Bournemouth to a sixth-placed Premier League finish and a place in the UEFA Europa League. Bayer Leverkusen had also been in talks with the coach, while AC Milan and Crystal Palace were further options — but Liverpool appear to be his most likely destination.