Arne Slot says his connection with Liverpool ‘goes beyond football’ after sacking

Arne Slot has said the connection he shares with Liverpool and their fans “goes beyond football” after leaving the club. The Dutchman was sacked as head coach on Saturday, 12 months on from winning the club’s second title in 30 years, after a pitiful defence ended with a fifth-placed finish. In an open letter to fans in the Liverpool Echo , he said winning the Premier League title was “beyond special”. He wrote: “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.” Slot said winning the title was “even more meaningful” because fans were able to share in the celebrations after the 2020 title success during the pandemic. He described the “shocking” events when 134 supporters were injured as Paul Doyle drove into them on Water Street in the city centre during celebrations. Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months after he pleaded guilty to 31 offences. “I was privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity,” Slot wrote. …