Arne Slot was sacked as Liverpool manager after a disappointing campaign, in which the defending Premier League champions finished sixth and reached the UEFA Champions League by the skin of their teeth.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, who was the only Premier League player to not miss a minute during the 2025-26 season, told Dutch broadcaster NOS that he was surprised by the decision.
"That came as a surprise. I spoke to Arne and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me. I know Liverpool will come out of this well," Van Dijk said after the Netherlands' 1-0 loss to Algeria.
Van Dijk was kept out of the loop from the club's decision-making, he said.
"I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday, and the news had already been leaked. I then had discussions with the club, but the decision had already been made by then. It’s not as though they asked me for my opinion."
Liverpool are expected to appoint former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as Slot's successor, with an announcement expected soon.