Arne Slot has been fired by Liverpool after a disappointing campaign, with departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola emerging as the early favorite to take over
13:41, 30 May 2026Updated 13:54, 30 May 2026
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Liverpool decided to fire boss Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)
Jermaine Pennant believes Liverpool's board was left with no option but to fire Arne Slot after supporters aired their frustrations with the Dutchman.
Slot was fired on Saturday just a year after winning the Premier League title with Andoni Iraola emerging as the frontrunner to take over at Anfield this summer. Slot was expected to keep his job, despite a dismal title defense, after guiding Liverpool to a Champions League spot.
But that was not enough for the club's hierarchy who have acted swiftly to axe the Dutchman. Pennant has been a vocal critic of Slot in recent weeks as the season ebbed away.
And he took to social media after the announcement to suggest Liverpool fans played a part in Slot being fired.
He posted: "The fans have spoken and they have been heard! And rightly so. The club have listened and done the right thing. Now let’s get someone in, and get Liverpool FC back to where it belongs, playing exciting aggressive football and challenging on all fronts."
Liverpool fans reacted angrily to a number of Slot decisions towards the end of the season, including the withdrawal of Rio Ngumoha in the draw with Chelsea. There were also boos at the end of that game, and other matches over recent months.
Liverpool's statement on Slot's departure 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.
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"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.
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"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.”