always Liverpool

Arne Slot leaves Liverpool after two years as the architect of the club's 20th league title triumph.

The Dutch coach was relieved of his duties over the weekend after a disappointing second season on Merseyside that saw the Reds secure a fifth-place finish - and Champions League qualification - on the final day of season.

But it will be his maiden term that will be the defining one of his stay, with Liverpool winning the title with a month to spare and by 10 points last time out.

On a famous day for the club on May 25 last year, match-goers were able to celebrate winning the league title for the first time at Anfield in 35 years.

A city-wide parade that was attended by an estimated one million people followed the next day on as a generation of fans were able to cherish some of their greatest ever days following Liverpool Football Club.

Slot also led a club in mourning with enormous dignity and class in the aftermath of Diogo Jota's tragic death last July following a car accident in Spain along with the Reds striker's brother, Andre Silva.

In his final address as he prepares to depart, writing directly to supporters and the city itself, Slot has penned an open letter in the Liverpool ECHO reflecting on his time at Anfield.

---

You walk out under that famous sign in the Anfield tunnel, and you feel a mix of emotions.

Responsibility, of course. To this club’s great history.

Expectation, naturally. To honour the legacy that, for 134 years, has made Liverpool FC one of the biggest clubs in world football.

And determination. To compete. To win. To bring success to an Anfield crowd so renowned across the globe.

That all of those emotions would culminate in a Premier League title after just 12 months was beyond special. It was not only a trophy, but a reward for the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by so many people throughout the club.

It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us. Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there. Lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.

Having had much of that taken from you in 2020, it was never lost on me how much it mattered that you were part of it all. Seeing you come together in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that idea.

What followed on Water Street later that day was shocking and my thoughts remain with all of those affected. 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, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years.

That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable. More than anything, I want to remember a team-mate, a friend and an incredible human being who touched the lives of thousands of you every time he wore this club’s famous crest.

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.

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.

Of course, it is important to say thank you.

To the players who wore the badge with pride while representing this club across the world. To the staff - not only those on the training ground - but those behind the scenes, whether maintaining the pitches at Anfield or working in the canteen at the training ground.

To the club hierarchy and ownership for your trust and direction. To the legends who supported me and impressed upon me the importance of The Liverpool Way.

It has been a pleasure working with you all.

Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. 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 and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond.

I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.

At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.

Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.

When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.