*Update*: Slot says goodbye by letter — Iraola also in talks with Leverkusen

Arne Slot has responded to his dismissal from FC Liverpool with a lengthy farewell letter to fans and the club. Berlingske reports that the Dutchman describes mixed emotions in it – gratitude for the championship season, but also disappointment over the abrupt end. The letter underscores how surprising the exit was for Slot himself.

The real challenge for Liverpool now lies in the search for a new manager. Top candidate Andoni Iraola is in demand – and not just at Anfield Road. Aachener Zeitung reports that Bayer Leverkusen is also considering the Bournemouth coach as a possible successor for the vacant managerial position. Oliver Glasner is also on Leverkusen's list, but TZ reports that Glasner is on the verge of a meeting with AC Milan boss Cardinale and a move to Milan appears realistic. For Liverpool, this means: should Glasner go to Milan, pressure on Iraola as the only remaining top candidate could increase – but so could the competition with Leverkusen.

Squad planning and candidates in focus

Meanwhile, squad planning is underway. Sky Sports reports that Liverpool faces competition in the race for Yan Diomandé. The Ivorian is said to have made a decision about his future, with several clubs standing by. On the Transfer Talk Podcast, experts discussed whether Diomandé or Bradley Barcola could be considered as Salah replacements – a sign of how fundamentally Liverpool is rebuilding the squad.

On the sidelines of the managerial search, former pro Michael Owen created an unusual moment: according to mirror.co.uk, Owen was evasive in a Sky Sports interview when asked about Liverpool's next manager and took jabs at the moderator – an appearance that generated attention on social networks but contributed little substantively to the debate.

The situation shows: Liverpool is not only searching for a manager, but doing so under time pressure and in direct competition with other top clubs.