Arne Slot Misses Awards Ceremony Following Liverpool’s Defeat

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, did not attend the Northern Football Writers’ Association awards ceremony on November 22, 2025, despite being named Manager of the Season. His absence followed a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, a match that marked a significant low point in Liverpool’s recent performance.

Slot’s withdrawal from the event was unexpected. In his place, club ambassador Gary McAllister was called upon to accept the award, reportedly contacted mid-match during Leeds’ game against Aston Villa. McAllister conveyed Slot’s apologies and a message expressing his pride in receiving the award, noting the remarkable turnaround Liverpool had experienced in the previous season under Slot’s leadership.

The manager’s absence highlighted Liverpool’s current struggles on the pitch. Since the start of the season, the team has lost eight of their last eleven matches, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. Slot acknowledged the team’s poor form during his post-match comments, taking responsibility for the results.

“I want to emphasise I am responsible for the current losses,” Slot stated. “You are responsible when you are winning but also responsible when you are losing.” He expressed disappointment regarding the team’s inability to convert chances into goals, which has become a recurring issue this season.

Liverpool’s recent defeat to Nottingham Forest was particularly notable, as it marked the visitors’ first back-to-back wins at Anfield since 1978. The loss added pressure on Slot, who is in the midst of a squad rebuilding process.

The awards ceremony featured other notable figures in football, including Daniel Farke of Leeds and Eddie Howe of Newcastle. The last high-profile manager to attend, Erik ten Hag, received an award last year for winning the FA Cup with Manchester United, only to be dismissed shortly thereafter.

As Liverpool navigates this challenging period, Slot’s remarks reflect a desire for improvement. “We need to have that moment of energy, scoring a goal,” he said. “If you are playing well and score a goal to go 1-0 up, the other team gets deflated. But the opposite thing happened,” he added, referring to how Nottingham Forest gained momentum after scoring.

The club’s leadership and fanbase will be watching closely as Slot attempts to steer Liverpool back on course. The pressure mounts as the team looks to regain its competitive edge in the Premier League amid ongoing challenges.