Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after a disappointing defence of their Premier League title.
Liverpool sack Slot with Iraola in the lead to replace him
Fans turned on the Dutchman after a number of poor performances - the team lost 19 times this season - and there was some disharmony in the dressing room with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken.
Sources insist the decision was taken with “enormous reluctance”, admitting it does not feel entirely fair to dispense with a coach who won only the club’s second league title in 30 years.
arne-slot-liverpool
However, it is understood the decision has been taken based on what they believe is the best chance of moving forward and the club’s hierarchy feel the team needs to evolve again towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football.
That reflects comments made by Salah in a social media post earlier this month when he called for a return to the “heavy metal football” played under predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool insist the desire for a change of style should not be viewed as a criticism of Slot, whose calibre as one of Europe’s leading coaches should not be doubted.
“Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way,” said a statement.
“He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.”
Liverpool's next steps after sacking Slot
Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to replace the Dutchman after the former Bournemouth boss rejected interest from Crystal Palace in favour of a move to Anfield.
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Andoni Iraola chooses between AC Milan, Leverkusen and Liverpool
The manager has picked his preferred destination.
And the changes won't stop there, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who revealed on Twitter that FSG are set to overhaul the coaching staff after Slot's departure.
"The decision to appoint a successor is underway with Andoni Iraola a leading contender. The primary objective is to recruit the candidate who best fits the preferred playing style criteria.
"Understand there are also likely to be further changes to the coaching staff."
Liverpool sacked set piece coach Aaron Briggs in December, and quickly went from one of the worst teams in the league at set pieces to one of the best.
Slot's assistands, Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, are likely next in the firing line having arrived during Slot's tenure.
Liverpool suffered several first-team injuries this season which led fans to question the strength and conditioning staff, so physical performance coach Ruben Peeters could be in danger as well.
andoni-iraola-bournemouth-premier-league Related
[Forget Iraola: FSG could hire "world-class" Slot replacement at Liverpool](https://www.footballfancast.com/fsg-can-forget-iraola-by-hiring-julian-nagelsmann-for-liverpool/ "Forget Iraola: FSG could hire "world-class" Slot replacement at Liverpool")
Liverpool still haven't confirmed that Arne Slot will be in the Anfield dugout next season.