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Arne Slot said he departs with nothing but pride following a two-year stint dedicated to bringing Liverpool "back where it belongs" among the continent's finest clubs.
Slot was dismissed on Saturday following an internal review of what proved to be a dismal season for Liverpool, whose Premier League title defense saw them slide down to fifth place amid a lengthy string of deeply frustrating results.
He released a brief statement immediately following his Anfield departure, but Slot has since published an extensive letter through the Liverpool ECHO to say his goodbyes to the club.
Title Triumph
Slot joined Liverpool two years ago amid modest expectations, tasked with guiding a post-Jürgen Klopp Reds side through what were anticipated to be several transitional seasons as the club adapted to such a monumental shift. As the Dutchman himself has acknowledged, claiming the Premier League title in his debut season may have skewed perceptions of the true scale of the challenge before him.
"You walk out under that famous sign in the Anfield tunnel, and you feel a mix of emotions," he began. "Responsibility, of course. To this club's great history. Expectation, naturally. To honor 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."
A City United
Liverpool's most recent Premier League title victory, in 2019–20, was marked under a shadow of sorrow as the COVID-19 pandemic not only claimed lives around the world but, closer to home, prevented supporters from taking to the streets to celebrate.
"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," Slot said of the long-awaited celebrations. "Seeing you come together in your hundreds of thousands on the streets of Liverpool for the title celebrations only reinforced that idea."
Sadly, Liverpool's joy quickly turned to tragedy when a vehicle ploughed into the celebrating crowds, leaving more than 130 people injured.
"What followed on Water Street later that day was shocking and my thoughts remain with all of those affected," Slot reflected. "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."
The grief deepened for Liverpool as cherished forward Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a road accident while travelling to preseason training.
"That only weeks after celebrating together we would lose Diogo is indescribable," Slot admitted. "More than anything, I want to remember a teammate, 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."
Giving Thanks
"You made me feel welcome from the very beginning and guided me along the way," Slot continued. "That is something I will always treasure.
"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 working behind the scenes, whether tending to the pitches at Anfield or serving in the canteen at the training facility.
"To the club hierarchy and ownership for your trust and guidance. 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."
Slot's time at the club may have concluded in disappointment, with many fans—and reports indicate even some players—losing confidence in the Dutchman's methods. There is, however, no disputing the fact that Slot will forever be remembered as the manager who guided Liverpool to their joint-record 20th Premier League crown.
"Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history," he added. "For that we should all be proud.
"This club will always judge itself by the biggest honors. 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."
What the Future Holds
Slot's exit leaves Liverpool once again confronting the kind of transition that seemed so daunting when Klopp departed two years ago—perhaps even more so given the losses of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté.
Liverpool may have secured Champions League qualification this season, but a return of just 60 points from 38 matches equals the low-water mark of the 2015–16 campaign, Klopp's first at the helm, which resulted in an eighth-place finish.
A swift turnaround is clearly required, and Slot is certain the Reds will make that leap once more before long.
"I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead," Slot stressed. "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."