Arne Slot looks on
Arne Slot looks on
Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot. The news was announced on Saturday after a disappointing season at Anfield.
The former Feyenoord boss signed a three-year deal on Merseyside in the summer of 2024 and led the Reds to their 20th league title in his first season in charge. Liverpool were crowned champions with a month to spare before ending the Premier League campaign 10 points clear of Arsenal, who finished second.
However, Slot's second season in charge has been much more difficult with 12 defeats in the league, the worst for 11 years, and the Reds were beaten 20 times in all competitions.
Injuries and the loss of form of key players were cited as reasons for the drop-off, but Slot's playing style came under criticism throughout a tough term. Liverpool only saw the club secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been installed as the favourite to succeed Slot. Meanwhile, there will be calls from some for legendary former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp to return.
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Liverpool have released a statement to confirm the news that they have parted company with Arne Slot.
It 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.
“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.
“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.”
Hello and welcome to our live blog on the news that Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot. The Dutchman won the Premier League title in his first season in charge, but it's been very poor since then.
Many expected Slot to be at least given the start of next season. But Reds chiefs have decided to part ways with the former Feyenoord boss.
Stick with us for all the latest.