Liverpool have parted company with head coach Arne Slot, just 12 months after he led the club to their 20th top-flight title.
The 47-year-old Dutchman endured a difficult second campaign at Anfield, with the Reds finishing fifth in the Premier League – their lowest league position since 2015-16 and a whopping 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Despite securing Champions League football, the club’s hierarchy decided a change of direction was needed.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes made the call, believing the team required a “more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football”.
Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in 2024, guided Liverpool to the title in his debut season but saw the team struggle this term. The club spent a British-record £415m last summer on six new signings, including £125m striker Alexander Isak and £116m playmaker Florian Wirtz, yet results failed to match the investment.
The campaign was also overshadowed by the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in July – a loss Slot helped the squad navigate with “compassion and humanity”, according to the club.
In a statement, FSG said: “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.
“He 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.”
Recently departed Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, 43, has emerged as the leading contender to replace Slot. Liverpool have already approached the Spaniard to discuss the role.
Iraola is highly rated across Europe for his attacking brand of football. He previously worked with Hughes during the sporting director’s time at Bournemouth, and guided the Cherries to a sixth-placed finish this season – just one place and three points behind Liverpool – securing Europa League qualification.
The decision to dismiss Slot has divided supporters. Some felt the change came too late to land Xabi Alonso, who has since joined a Premier League rival, while others believe it was the right call but should have been made sooner.
Fan Sonny wrote: “For Liverpool to sack a coach it usually takes a lot… I feel sorry for him, as winning the league surely buys you a third season. You will always be remembered for that 20th title.”
Others agreed it was “sad but necessary”, with Dean adding: “He had lost the dressing room and his tactics were too erratic.”
Slot’s backroom staff are also expected to depart, though no official announcement has been made.
