In a matter of days, Arne Slot‘s camp went from saying there was “no change” in the support from Liverpool to his dismissal.
The club announced the news of the 47-year-old’s departure on Saturday afternoon, less than a week after the final day of the Premier League season and Slot’s assertion that he was part of the plans to come.
But according to journalist Ben Jacobs on X, the Dutchman was informed only hours before the public that he would no longer be Liverpool’s head coach.
He was told on Saturday morning, with the announcement following shortly after. His contract was due to expire in 2027.
According to the *Times*‘ Paul Joyce, Slot’s representatives “had said on Friday that there was no change in the support from Liverpool.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The change, however, came with the club acknowledging that any delay to their decision would “have impacted next season and damaged preparations to re-establish themselves.”
With several clubs searching for their next manager, Liverpool had to act if they were not confident in the direction Slot was taking them.
In a joint statement, the club’s owners nodded to just that, writing: “We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.”
They also said: “The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction.”
Andoni Iraola the frontrunner for Liverpool job
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola during a post-match press conference after the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Bournemouth won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The ex-Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, is widely reported to be the frontrunner to take over at Liverpool, with the BBC stating the club have made an approach to “discuss the role.”
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Iraola is “set to become the next Liverpool manager,” while the likes of the Times, Telegraph, Sky Sports and the Athletic all assert him to the “clear favourite.”
Jacobs, meanwhile, has suggested that “talks are expected to move quickly” for the Spaniard, who has an existing relationship with Richard Hughes after he appointed him at the Vitality Stadium.
Iraola started out coaching in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca, before moving on to Mirandes, Rayo Vallecano and most recently Bournemouth.