Arne Slot says goodbye to Liverpool after sacking - as talks with Bournemouth's Iraola set to open

Arne Slot said goodbye to Anfield in an open letter after being dismissed as Liverpool head coach - as Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is set to enter talks with the club.

The Dutchman was sacked on Saturday after Liverpool struggled to fifth in the Premier League last season.

After winning the title in his first season at the club, Slot faced a disrupted summer with the death of Diogo Jota and a car attack at the title parade.

Throughout the 2025/26 season, he also clashed with now-departed club legend Mohamed Salah, and finished with 60 points - their lowest since the 2015/16 campaign.

In an open letter published by the Liverpool Echo, the Dutchman made no reference to this seasons difficulties, instead praising Liverpool and saying he felt "responsibility" to "this club's great history", "expectation" and "determination".

"That all of those emotions would culminate in a Premier League title after just 12 months was beyond special," he said.

"It was not only a trophy, but a reward for the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by so many people throughout the club."

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Slot added that winning the Premier League was "even more meaningful" because fans were able to share in the celebrations after the 2020 title success during the pandemic.

Jota tributes 'will stay with me forever'

He then discussed the "shocking" parade attack in May last year, saying that "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."

"That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable," Slot added, paying tribute to "a team-mate, a friend and an incredible human being who touched the lives of thousands".

Slot said: "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."

Slot then said he leaves Liverpool "exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe's elite" and added: "You made me feel welcome from the start and helped me on the path. That is something I cherish."

Iraola linked to Anfield job

Slot's letter comes as it was reported that Liverpool will open formal talks with Iraola this week over becoming the club's new head coach.

The former Bournemouth coach - who led the Dorset club to a win over Liverpool in January and finished sixth in the Premier League, one place below the Reds - announced he would leave this summer at the end of his contract.

(c) Sky News 2026: Arne Slot says goodbye to Liverpool after sacking - as talks with Bournemouth's Iraola set to