Liverpool manager Arne Slot has caused a stir across the football world after withdrawing at the last moment from an awards ceremony, just hours after his side’s damaging 3–0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. The Dutch coach, who won the Northern Football Writers’ Association Manager of the Year award for guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, was expected to attend the event on Sunday evening. Instead, he confirmed late in the day that he would not appear.
With Slot absent, Liverpool urgently turned to club ambassador Gary McAllister, who was attending Leeds’ match against Aston Villa. He was contacted at half-time and asked to collect the award on Slot’s behalf. McAllister delivered the manager’s apologies and read a short statement expressing Slot’s pride at winning the honour.
The timing of his withdrawal has raised eyebrows. Only months after lifting the Premier League trophy, Liverpool now find themselves in the middle of a turbulent rebuild. The team has lost eight of its last eleven matches and continues to struggle both tactically and mentally, leading to escalating internal and external pressure on Slot.
Sunday night’s ceremony also recognised Daniel Farke of Leeds, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe. The last major Premier League manager to attend the ceremony in person was Erik ten Hag, who accepted an award for Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph last year. Days later, however, Ten Hag was dismissed and replaced by Ruben Amorim—a twist many observers have pointed out given Slot’s current situation.
Following the defeat to Forest, who secured consecutive wins at Anfield for the first time since 1978, Slot accepted full responsibility. He admitted that Liverpool’s performances have fallen far below the required level and emphasised that the results are ultimately his to own. He highlighted the team’s continued effort but lamented their inability to convert chances while conceding cheaply at crucial moments.
Slot insisted the current run cannot continue and stressed the importance of scoring the first goal, which he believes would restore belief and disrupt opponents’ momentum. He acknowledged that Liverpool are in a difficult moment and must work even harder until results turn.
The atmosphere around Anfield has grown tense, and the manager’s last-minute withdrawal from a major public appearance has intensified speculation about his standing at the club. With pressure mounting and confidence shaken, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining Slot’s long-term future at Liverpool
