Virgil van Dijk said Liverpool "need to show a reaction" from a bitterly disappointing season that cost Arne Slot his job as manager, but called for patience with new boss Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool named Andoni Iraola as their new manager on Thursday after sacking Arne Slot following a calamitous Premier League title defence.

Andoni Iraola arrived in Liverpool on Thursday to finalise the details of his appointment as the club's new head coach following the dismissal of Arne Slot.

Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool "exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe's elite", in an emotional letter to fans after his sacking as head coach.

The club, who finished fifth in the table, said the Dutchman, who has been at Anfield for two seasons, would "depart his role as head coach with immediate effect".

Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah "deserves a big send-off", confirming he expected the departing superstar to return from injury before the season is over.

Arne Slot warned on Friday that "margins are small" in the Premier League as Liverpool aim to strengthen their push for a place in next season's Champions League.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike can come back even stronger from a ruptured Achilles tendon that has ended the French striker's season, and his dreams of playing in the World Cup.

Arne Slot admits Liverpool will need a "very special" performance to overturn their 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday.

Liverpool have lost three games in a row, including a 4-0 hammering by Manchester City in the FA Cup and a 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot admitted his team were well beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg as he defended his decision to play with three central defenders and insisted the Reds still had hope going into the return.

Arne Slot urged his Liverpool flops to stick together after admitting Saturday's dismal 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals summed up their turbulent season.

Arne Slot is hoping Mohamed Salah's farewell can inspire a strong end to Liverpool's season as he declared the Egyptian a living "legend" at the club.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said Friday that the prospect of a Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool brought back "beautiful memories" of last year's encounter between the sides which his team won on penalties.

Arne Slot believes Liverpool fired a warning shot to Paris Saint-Germain of what they are capable of in a 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray on Wednesday, which set up a Champions League quarter-final against the holders.

Arne Slot was left to rue Liverpool's sloppy finishing as Galatasaray earned a 1-0 win in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg.

Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday as Mario Lemina's goal left the Reds in danger of a shock exit.

Arne Slot admitted he was relieved that Liverpool's rollercoaster season left him with a good feeling for once after their 3-1 win at Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday.

Liverpool suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at Wolves as Andre's stoppage-time strike sealed a dramatic victory for the Premier League's bottom club on Tuesday.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said teams must adapt to deal with set pieces after Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke about how they were sucking some of the "joy" out of the Premier League.