Arne Slot expressed his gratitude towards Liverpool fans in an open letter, in which he also revealed the importance of qualifying for the Champions League.

The 47-year-old was sacked by Liverpool on Saturday after following up their Premier League title-winning campaign with a fifth-place finish in 2025-26, ending the campaign 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Liverpool also lost 19 games across all competitions in 2025-26. Since they were last promoted to the top-flight in 1962, only in 1992-93 (20) had they suffered more defeats in a campaign (also 19 in 2004-05 and 2009-10).

Slot took charge of 113 games for the Reds, winning 66 (D19 L28) and seeing his side score a total of 224 goals.

His win percentage of 58.4% is bettered only by Jurgen Klopp (60.9%) among Liverpool bosses, while the Dutchman became only the fifth manager to win the Premier League in their first season.

Liverpool failed to win any of their last four games of the season (D2 L2), but a draw with Brentford on the final day secured Champions League football for another season.

Although it was not enough to save Slot's job, the coach was glad to leave Liverpool among "Europe's elite".

In an open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, Slot said: "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.

"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.

"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."