‘Came as a surprise’: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to Arne Slot sacking
In a recent statement, Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool FC, expressed his astonishment regarding the recent dismissal of manager Arne Slot, which took place last Saturday. Slot’s tenure came to an end after what can only be described as a disappointing season for the defending Premier League champions, who finished in sixth place and barely secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Van Dijk, who notably did not miss a single minute of action throughout the entire 2025-26 season and has been a standout player for the club, shared his feelings during an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS. “That came as a surprise,” he remarked, reflecting on his conversations with Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff. He acknowledged their contributions to his career, stating, “I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me,” while also expressing optimism about Liverpool’s future despite the setback.
Interestingly, Van Dijk revealed that he was not privy to the club’s decision-making process regarding the management change. “I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday, and the news had already been leaked,” he explained. Despite his subsequent discussions with club officials, he felt sidelined, adding, “It’s not as though they asked me for my opinion.”
In light of Slot’s departure, rumors indicate that Liverpool is poised to appoint Andoni Iraola, the former manager of Bournemouth, as his replacement. An official announcement regarding this new appointment is expected soon.
