Arne Slot has paid tribute to the emergency services for their response to the serious incident that occurred during the club’s Premier League Trophy parade on Monday.
In a letter read out at the League Managers Association’s (LMA) annual awards ceremony, where he was named the 2024/25 Barclays Manager of the Season, the Liverpool head coach stated his gratitude to all who helped in the immediate aftermath of the appalling incident of a car being driven into a crowd in the city centre.
More than 50 people were injured, including some seriously. Merseyside Police say 11 people remain in hospital but all are in a stable condition.
Slot withdrew from the LMA event in solidarity with those affected by the incident on Monday.
Gratitude for support
In the letter, also published on the Liverpool website, Slot says: “As you will know, a shocking incident took place in Liverpool yesterday, one that left dozens of men, women and children who had attended our parade injured, and as a result I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but it is one that I feel is absolutely right given the seriousness of the situation. I hope that I have your understanding in this regard.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider football community, including the LMA itself, the Premier League and many clubs who will be represented tonight, for the support we have received over the last 24 hours. Football is and always should be a game built on rivalry, but it is also a great source of comradeship, especially at times like this.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and other authorities in Liverpool who swung into action as soon as the incident happened.
“Along with the supporters and bystanders who helped one another in an hour of need, I think everyone involved in the aftermath deserves the gratitude of all of us.”
'Humbled to win award'
Slot became the first Dutchman to win the Barclays Manager of the Season award after leading Liverpool in his debut season as head coach to just their second Premier League title - one that equalled Manchester United's English top-flight record of 20 titles won.
“I am humbled to be named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Season so thank you to the Barclays and the Premier League awards panel for selecting me,” he said. “The main reason I say I am humbled is that I know the incredibly high standard of the managers in the Premier League.
“It goes without saying that I am also really proud to be a member of the League Managers Association and therefore I am truly honoured to be awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for the LMA Manager of the Year. To be voted for by your managerial peers is so special, especially as I know the unbelievable quality of those who have won this award previously.
“Sir Alex, I look forward to meeting with you at a later date to receive my trophy from you. I also look forward to attending my first LMA Annual Awards dinner on a future occasion. Thank you once again for your understanding and your support.
“If you could join me in keeping those affected by yesterday’s events in your thoughts and prayers, it would be very much appreciated.”
Succeeding Jurgen Klopp, who won a Premier League title, a UEFA Champions League, an FA Cup and two EFL Cups, looked an impossible task, but Slot oversaw an incredible campaign, reinvigorating a Liverpool side who finished third last season, with nearly the exact same squad as Klopp.
Slot's men finished 10 points clear of Arsenal, winning a league-high 25 matches, four more than anyone else, scoring 86 goals, 14 more than any other team, while conceding only 41, the second-best defensive record in the competition.
Awards treble for Liverpool
Slot's win makes it a 2024/25 individual awards treble for Liverpool, after Mohamed Salah was named the EA SPORTS Player of the Season and Ryan Gravenberch won the Hublot Young Player of the Season prize.
It is only the third time a Premier League club have won all three individual awards after Manchester City did it twice: 2020/21, with Ruben Dias (Player of the Season), Pep Guardiola (Manager of the Season) and Phil Foden (Young Player of the Season); and in 2022/23, when Erling Haaland claimed the player and young player awards and Guardiola the manager award.
Slot won after votes by the public were combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide who would top a five-man shortlist that also featured Thomas Frank, Eddie Howe, Nuno Espirito Santo and Vitor Pereira.
