Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Snubs Award Ceremony After Loss

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool FC, did not attend the Northern Football Writers’ Association awards ceremony on November 23, 2025, despite winning the prestigious manager of the season award. His absence followed a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking a significant low point in what has been a tumultuous season for the club.

Slot’s decision to skip the event, held the day after the loss, drew attention as it highlighted the current struggles of Liverpool on the pitch. The team has faced a challenging period, having lost eight of their last eleven matches. In light of this, Liverpool sent club ambassador Gary McAllister to collect the award on Slot’s behalf. McAllister, who was at the Leeds United match against Aston Villa, received a last-minute call at half-time to step in for the absent manager.

During his speech at the awards ceremony, McAllister conveyed Slot’s regrets and shared a message from him expressing pride in receiving the award, despite the team’s recent setbacks. “I am extremely proud to have won the award,” Slot conveyed through McAllister.

Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest was particularly notable, as it marked the visitors’ first back-to-back wins at Anfield since 1978. The loss came just as Slot was being recognized for his successful debut season, where he led the team to achieve remarkable results before the recent downturn.

Reflecting on the Season’s Challenges

In the aftermath of the defeat, Slot took responsibility for the team’s poor performance, stating, “I want to emphasise I am responsible for the current losses. You are responsible when you are winning but also responsible when you are losing.” He acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in converting chances into goals, which has plagued the team lately.

“The opposite happened [against Nottingham Forest]… they got a big energy boost from scoring,” Slot remarked, illustrating the psychological impact of conceding goals. He expressed a determination to turn the situation around, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead for his squad.

Among the other honourees at the awards ceremony were notable figures such as Daniel Farke of Leeds, Phil Parkinson of Wrexham, and Eddie Howe of Newcastle. The event served as a reminder of the competitive landscape in English football, where fortunes can change rapidly.

Slot’s absence at the ceremony parallels the fate of other managers in the league. Last year, Erik ten Hag attended the ceremony to accept an award for winning the FA Cup with Manchester United, only to be dismissed shortly thereafter, replaced by Ruben Amorim.

As Liverpool navigates this challenging phase, both the fans and the management will be watching closely to see if Slot can steer the team back to its winning ways. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the direction of the club’s season.