Fans have shared their thoughts after Liverpool Football Club announced Arne Slot has been sacked
Will Culshaw, 19, and Louie McGinley 19 from Blackpool
Will Culshaw, 19, and Louie McGinley 19 from Blackpool
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Liverpool Football Club fans have shared their thoughts after it was announced head coach Arne Slot had been sacked. It was announced today, Saturday, May 30, that Slot has been relieved of his duties, bringing an end to his two-year spell at the club.
The Dutchman signed a three-year deal in the summer of 2024 and led the Reds to their 20th league title, wrapping it up with a month to spare, finishing the Premier League campaign 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
However, Slot's second season proved to be much more difficult with 12 defeats in the league making it the club's worst for that statistic in 11 years, with the Reds beaten 20 times in all competitions.
Injuries and the loss of form of key players were cited as reasons for the drop-off in performances and results, but Slot's playing style came in for criticism across the course of a tough term that only saw the club secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
The ECHO took to the streets to get fans’ reaction to the news.
'When you take over a club like Liverpool you’ve got to be ruthless'
Willow William, 65, from County Road
Willow William, 65, from County Road said “someone’s got to get Liverpool Football Club by the throat and take them forward"
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Willow William, 65, from County Road, said: “Arne Slot is not the man for Liverpool.
“When you take over a club like Liverpool, you’ve got to be ruthless, if you’re not, you’re not going to last. It’s game over.
“We need someone like that - your Bob Paisley and Shankly eras - ruthless. Even Dalglish, ruthless.
“Someone’s got to get Liverpool Football Club by the throat and take them forward.”
'I think we knew it was coming'
Will Culshaw, 19, and Louie McGinley 19 from Blackpool
Will Culshaw, 19, and Louie McGinley 19 from Blackpool
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Will Culshaw, 19, and Louie McGinley, 19, from Blackpool, said they were “shocked” by the news but agree with the decision.
Will said: “I think we knew it was coming after the dreadful season they had, but they have had to deal with a lot in terms of injuries and off-the-pitch stuff, so it’s just about who they get afterwards to really see how the next season goes.
“I sort of expected it, but I thought it would have happened earlier on in the season."
Louie added: “I am quite shocked because of what he did in his first season. I thought we were brilliant when he first came in, but obviously this season we've been way off it. It's not been good, but I don't think it's all down to him completely. I think he's had a lot to deal with.
“It might be a good thing. Might not be. Just need to know who we're getting after him. I'd hope Enrique to come in, but I think it'll be Bournemouth's manager. I think he's pretty good.”
'We’re both buzzing'
Steve Arwin, 23, Huyton and Ben Bryming, 23, Old Swan
Steve Arwin, 23, from Huyton and Ben Bryming, 23, from Old Swan
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Steve Arwin, 23, from Huyton, and Ben Bryming, 23, from Old Swan, said: “We’re really happy to be honest. We’re both buzzing. He’s done a good job with winning the league title, getting top five and that but his time is over.
“He’s done us a good job all things considered. We wish him all the best really.”
'I’m not surprised'
Martin Paul Neate, 51, from Ormskirk, who is a United fan, said he's “not surprised" by the news
Martin Paul Neate, 51, from Ormskirk, who is a United fan, said he's “not surprised" by the news
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Martin Paul Neate, 51, from Ormskirk, who is a Manchester United fan, said: “I’m not surprised. I work with quite a few Liverpool fans, and obviously, they weren't happy after this season.”
'I think it's clearly the right decision for the club'
John Gregory, 59, from Lark Lane, said he had mixed emotions but thought it was the right decision for the club
John Gregory, 59, from Lark Lane, said he had mixed emotions but thought it was the right decision for the club
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John Gregory, 59, from Lark Lane, said: “I have mixed emotions really. I think it's clearly the right decision for the club, the city, and the supporters. Maybe the club should have acted sooner and just thank [him] for winning the league for us last year.”
What have Liverpool Football Club said?
In a joint statement on official club channels, Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, wrote: “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 (Jota). 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.”