(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 31 May 2026 14:45, UK

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Virgil van Dijk has sent a message to former Liverpool boss Arne Slot after he was relieved of his duties by the club.

Slot was sacked by Liverpool after two seasons in charge, with van Dijk having been captain and an ever present in defence under the Dutchman’s management.

After winning the Premier League title in his first season in charge, Slot’s style of play was criticised this campaign as the Reds finished fifth.

Liverpool fans, and stars including Mohamed Salah, turned against Slot, which may have contributed to his departure.

The search for Liverpool’s next manager has begun, whilst the club face a rebuild of their squad this summer.

Virgil van Dijk sends short message to Arne Slot

A day after Liverpool confirmed the news that Slot had left Anfield, van Dijk took to his Instagram story to send a message to his former boss.

Underneath a picture of the pair embracing at Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations last season, van Dijk thanked Slot for his time at the club.

Van Dijk posted: “We’ll never forget winning the Premier League in our first season together. Thank you trainer, and best of luck to you and your family for the future.”

The 34-year-old is expected to remain at Liverpool under their next manager, with the defender still having a year left to run on his current contract.

Who is favourite to become next Liverpool manager?

Football Insider revealed that former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the favourite to takeover from Slot at Liverpool.

Iraola has stepped down as manager of Bournemouth after three years in the role, and had been in talks to move to AC Milan.

Liverpool though looked to have swooped in for Iraola, and the Spanish manager is now expected to remain in the Premier League at Anfield.

Iraola led Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in their history this season, and he is known for building attacking, high-pressing teams that the Liverpool fans would like to see.