Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot a year after winning the Premier League.
Slot leaves Anfield with immediate effect after enduring a testing title defence.
The season fizzled out and ultimately ended without any silverware despite a lavish outlay in last year’s transfer window.
Slot was caught in the firing line when Mohamed Salah hit out at both the manager’s style of play before his own exit at Anfield was confirmed.
Despite the Reds clinching Champions League qualification for the 2026/27 season, the Reds have opted to make a change now two years after appointing Slot.
And Andoni Iraola is now seen as the clear front-runner to take over at Anfield, after confirming his exit at Bournemouth after guiding the Cherries to the Europa League.
A statement from the club read: ““That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.
“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.
“From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.
“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.”
It is thought Liverpool have made the decision reluctantly, but made the difficult decision after assessing the campaign and concluding that a change would necessitate the essential evolution of the side.
“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title,” Liverpool continued in a lengthy statement.
“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day. He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come. Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.
“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”
