The Liverpool squad were surprised at Arne Slot‘s sacking, but there was a point towards the end of the season when they started to believe it would come.
According to Merseyside reporters, there was a surprise among the Liverpool squad at the news Slot had been removed from his post on Saturday morning.
The Dutchman will now be replaced by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola after a miserable second campaign in charge which saw the Reds lose 20 times in all competitions.
But while the players were not consulted on Slot’s future, The Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that there had been a belief that his days were numbered.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai reacts to conceding their side's fourth goal during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He writes: “Four days after [the 4-2 loss at Aston Villa], on May 19, there was a meeting at Kirkby which resulted in a number of players believing that Slot might be replaced.
“However, they only knew for sure when the news broke on Saturday.”
That defeat at Villa Park is considered one of the worst of Slot’s reign, with Liverpool floundering against a side preparing for the Europa League final and with centre-back Victor Lindelof starting in midfield.
Mo Salah aired his grievances on social media the day after that game and though it is maintained that the players ‘liking’ his post did not indicate a loss of faith, the mood was clearly low.
“During the defeat at Villa Park, sources say there was uncertainty within the team over who was responsible for what when defending set-pieces,” Pearce continues.
“And the hosts were able to exploit that for their opening goal with the inquest continuing in the away dressing room.”
Liverpool chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes began their end-of-season review before the campaign was up and eventually came to the decision that Slot would be unable to turn things around.
Their verdict was signed off by Fenway Sports Group, including president Mike Gordon, and there is now an agreement in principle for Iraola to take over.
PARIS, FRANCE - Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak receives final instructions for head coach Arne Slot before coming on for his first appearance since January during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking to Swedish media after he scored in a 3-1 loss to Norway on Monday night, Alexander Isak was questioned on Slot’s dismissal.
“I’ve kind of disconnected from Liverpool now that I’m here,” the striker insisted.
“It’s always sad when a coach has to leave. That’s usually the first position to change when things go badly.
“But as I said, I don’t know much about what has happened or what will happen. I wish him all the best in whatever he does next.”