Fenway Sports Group stunned the Liverpool dressing room last weekend when they abruptly sacked manager Arne Slot. The owners dismissed the Dutchman after an end-of-season review concluded that his playing style no longer fit the club’s future direction.
Slot ultimately paid the price for a deeply disappointing Premier League title defence, alongside a staggering 19 defeats across all competitions. The Dutchman was dismissed after an end-of-season review concluded that his playing style was no longer the right fit for the club’s future direction.
Slot ultimately paid the price for a deeply disappointing defence of Liverpool’s Premier League title, alongside a staggering 19 defeats across all competitions.
While a string of poor performances had recently turned the Anfield faithful against the manager, Slot had retained the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) until last weekend.
FSG’s sudden U-turn caught everyone off guard most of all, the players.
Gakpo: “Nobody saw It coming”
Speaking to ESPN, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo lifted the lid on the squad’s reaction to the news, admitting that the timing of the dismissal was a massive shock.
“A shame that FSG sacked the manager,” Gakpo said. “Especially so soon after a season where we fought to qualify for the Champions League.”
“But yes, that… I believe the club released a statement about that with the explanation in it. I don’t think anyone, any of the players saw it coming.
“It certainly happened, but apart from that, I think many of our players at the club are also working towards the World Cup now. We have to put it to the side.”
Gakpo also revealed that he, alongside fellow countryman and club captain Virgil van Dijk, has been in touch with Slot since the announcement.
“I had of course sent him a message to thank him for the past two years and of course with the highlight of last season,” Gakpo added.
Slot’s emotional farewell: “beyond special”
Following his departure, Slot penned an emotional open letter to Liverpool supporters, Reflecting on his tenure, he emphasised that delivering the club’s 20th league title in his debut season was a moment that would live with him 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,” Slot wrote. “You made me feel welcome from the start and helped me on the path. That is something I cherish.”
The departing coach made sure to express his gratitude to the squad, the backroom staff, and the board for their efforts during his two years at the helm.
“It has been a pleasure working with you all,” he said. “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.
“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.”
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
While winning the Premier League title in his first season cemented Arne Slot’s place in Anfield folklore, football is a ruthless business. Losing 19 games in a single season is an indefensible statistic for a club of Liverpool’s stature, and a tactical identity crisis clearly forced FSG’s hand.
However, the sheer shock expressed by Cody Gakpo proves that the communication between the hierarchy and the squad could have been handled better. Severing ties right before a major tournament leaves the players with a bitter taste in their mouths.
FSG have made a massive gamble here; they must ensure their next managerial appointment hits the ground running, or risk alienating a dressing room that clearly still respected the man in charge.
