Dutch Media Rounds on Liverpool After Slot's Shock Exit, Points Finger at Salah, Isak and Wirtz

Liverpool have taken a battering from Dutch media outlets following Saturday's decision to remove Arne Slot from the Anfield hot seat, with the Reds' hierarchy facing accusations of abandoning their principles in pursuit of instant results.

The Merseysiders pulled the trigger on Slot after failing to kick on from their 2024/25 Premier League title triumph. A fifth-place finish this season, though securing Champions League football for next term, apparently proved insufficient for the club's ownership.

Andoni Iraola, currently at Bournemouth, is widely expected to step into the breach as Liverpool's next manager.

In their official statement, the club's ownership acknowledged the gravity of the decision, emphasising Slot's "significant" contribution and his achievement of delivering Liverpool's 20th top-flight crown in his opening campaign. They also highlighted his compassion during the difficult period following Diogo Jota's loss. However, they concluded that "change is necessary" for the club to progress.

The Dutch press, unsurprisingly, took a dim view of proceedings. De Telegraaf accused Liverpool of "throwing their own culture overboard" and morphing into a "hire and fire" operation. Such criticism will sting given the club's proud traditions of managerial continuity and loyalty.

More specifically, AD identified Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz as "major disappointments" from Fenway Sports Group's summer spending spree, suggesting both players "barely delivered" and represented "costly miscalculations" in retrospect.

De Volkskrant, meanwhile, pinpointed Mohamed Salah as Slot's "biggest problem" during his tenure. The publication argued that the Egyptian's public criticism of the club and manager had effectively undermined the Dutchman's authority. Salah is expected to depart Liverpool when the transfer window opens.