Portugal Colonial - Slot says he is leaving Liverpool 'among Europe's elite'

The Dutchman was fired on Saturday, 12 months after winning the Premier League, following a miserable title defence which ended in a fifth-placed finish, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Liverpool secured a place in next season's Champions League.

The club are reportedly set to open formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola over the Anfield vacancy this week.

In an open letter to fans published in the Liverpool Echo on Monday, Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024, said winning the Premier League title in his first season was "beyond special".

"Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history," said Slot. "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."

Slot, 47, said he was "privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity" after Paul Doyle drove his car through crowds in the city centre during last year's title celebrations, injuring scores of supporters.

Doyle was jailed for more than 21 years after he pleaded guilty to 31 offences.

Slot also paid tribute to Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain just weeks after Liverpool's title triumph.

"In one of the most difficult moments this club has faced, the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary," he said.

"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."

A.F.Rosado--PC