Slot blindsided by Liverpool sacking but holds no grudge against FSG, journalist claims

Arne Slot did not see his Liverpool sacking coming and described it as “an absolute thunder in a clear blue sky”, but the Dutchman harbours no ill feeling towards club owners FSG, according to journalist Marcel van der Kraan. Slot was dismissed last weekend, less than a week after the final match of the season, ending a two-year tenure that included the club’s first league title in five years.

Van der Kraan, who spoke to Slot on the Sunday following his dismissal, told talkSPORT that the former manager “was still recovering from the absolute blow” of the news. Despite the abruptness of the decision, Van der Kraan said Slot “wasn’t bitter” towards FSG and their change of direction.

Slot had publicly expressed confidence he would remain in charge heading into next season. After the final game, he said he had “every reason to believe” he would still be at the helm. The club’s decision to move on came after a difficult title defence ended with Liverpool finishing fifth, though Slot did secure Champions League qualification.

In an open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, Slot reflected warmly on his time at the club. “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,” he wrote. He added that winning the Premier League was “even more meaningful” because supporters could celebrate in person, unlike the 2020 title success which was claimed during the pandemic.

Van der Kraan also suggested Slot could be in line to take over as Netherlands national team manager following the World Cup. Ronald Koeman’s contract expires after the tournament, and Van der Kraan said Slot would be “very much up for that” role, describing him as “probably the ideal candidate”. The Netherlands have been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, with Koeman’s future likely to depend on their performance in North America.

Liverpool have wasted little time in moving forward. Andoni Iraola, who led Bournemouth to consecutive top-half Premier League finishes, was formally appointed as Slot’s successor on Thursday, signing a two-year contract. The club is understood to have targeted Iraola specifically to restore a more aggressive, high-intensity style of play that faded during Slot’s second season. Iraola is expected to bring assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre with him to Anfield.