Revealed: How Arne Slot’s remarks alienated Liverpool stars before sack
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According to German newspaper Bild, Slot's relationship with some players became strained after a series of remarks directed at summer signings who arrived from the Bundesliga.
Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot reportedly upset several players with comments about their achievements before joining the Premier League, months before his dismissal by the club.
Slot was sacked last week after Liverpool endured a disappointing second season under the Dutchman, finishing fifth in the Premier League and losing 20 matches in all competitions.
According to German newspaper Bild, Slot’s relationship with some players became strained after a series of remarks directed at summer signings who arrived from the Bundesliga.
The report claimed Slot often questioned players about their achievements before arriving at Liverpool.
He was alleged to have asked some players: “Did you win the Premier League?” while also making comments such as: “You can play like that in Germany.”
The remarks were reportedly aimed at some of Liverpool’s high-profile arrivals from the German top flight.
Liverpool spent heavily during the summer transfer window, bringing in several players from the Bundesliga.
Among them were Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £116 million, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz and Frimpong were key members of the Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga title in 2024.
Several Liverpool players, including Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, also have previous experience in German football.
Despite the reported tensions, Slot publicly backed his players throughout the season.
The former Liverpool boss notably praised Wirtz’s development during a difficult debut campaign at Anfield.
Slot said the German midfielder had improved significantly and predicted that his performances would continue to get better in the coming years.
Liverpool on Thursday confirmed the appointment of former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as Slot’s successor.
The Spaniard signed a two-year contract and expressed excitement about taking charge of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
“I am really excited,” Iraola said.
“Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world. The supporters, the players and the opportunity to compete for trophies make it a very attractive challenge.”
Iraola is expected to begin preparations for the new season immediately as Liverpool seek to return to title contention.
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