**_LONDON_** – Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot despite winning the Premier League title last year and maintaining their place in the Champions League through fifth place this season.
Slot, 47, was undone by a comparative failure to manage a season of transition after a British club record spend of more than £415m last summer. This demanded a major tactical reset, a project with which the Dutchman struggled and for which some fans and several players – notably the outoing Mo Salah had no patience.
Nor the board, it turns out.
Recently departed Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is expected to be their No1 target as new boss.
A statement from owners Fenway Sports Group 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.
“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.”
The decision was made by Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief executive, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director. Slot had replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in 2024 after the German stepped down at Anfield after nine years as manager.
The statement added “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.” Liverpool’s spending last year included a domestic record £125m on Alexander Isak from Newcastle after an earlier record £116m on Florian Wirtz.
The internal upheaval was compounded by the car crash of popular Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.
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