Coach who was poised to join Liverpool under Arne Slot now out of work completely

Arne Slot was sacked by Liverpool one year after winning the Premier League, and one coach has been left in limbo as a result of the decision

Etienne Reijnen was all set to join Liverpool – but he’s now without a job altogether following Arne Slot’s sacking. Slot was sacked over the weekend following the Reds’ disappointing defence of their Premier League title.

The call came after Liverpool lost 19 times in all competitions this season. The Anfield hierarchy also made the decision, as they believe it is the best chance of moving forward and felt the team needs to evolve again towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football.

But prior to Slot’s sacking, he was ready to move to Merseyside to link up with his fellow Dutchman. Reijnen had been working alongside Robin van Persie at Feyenoord, but he left his position at the club back in May to move to the Reds.

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Slot had wanted to bring Reijnen with him when he moved to Anfield in 2024, but the 39-year-old was denied a work permit. However, he won’t be moving to Merseyside now with Slot gone, and he has no chance of returning to Feyenoord because, according to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, his position at the club has already been filled.

But Van Persie’s own future at Feyenoord is also uncertain. Devy Rigaux, the club’s new technical director, recently admitted: “We will take the time to analyse everything that has taken place here over the past season. In that regard, it is now up to us to get things clear and sharp before we make a decision.”

Slot, meanwhile, penned an open letter to supporters over the weekend, in which he 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.”

As well as thanking fans, Slot paid tribute to players, staff and the club’s owners. He said: “It has been a pleasure working with you all.

“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.

“I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.

“At the same time, 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.”