Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam reckons Liverpool were unjustified in sacking Arne Slot over the weekend, claiming that his compatriot did a 'fantastic' job at the club. Despite admitting that he wasn't surprised by Slot's dismissal, Stam called out the Reds' hierarchy for making this decision due to external criticism.
After replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager in the summer of 2024, Arne Slot turned many doubters into believers when he guided the Reds to their 20th Premier League title during the 2024-25 campaign. However, despite spending upwards of £400 million the following summer, Slot struggled to find the same success last season.
The Reds barely qualified for the UEFA Champions League, finishing fifth in the league table and losing 12 games. They also ended the season trophyless, much to the fans' chagrin. To make matters worse, the latter were already frustrated by Slot's regressive style of play.
With criticism piling up in recent months, Liverpool's hierarchy made the bold decision to sack Slot on May 30 following an end-of-season review. However, Stam said (via HITC):
"Well, not surprised that it might happen. Because if you’ve been around the club over the last few months and heard everything that’s been going on and what’s been said, then you could see it happening. What is more surprising is that, from Arne’s own words, it sounded like he was staying. There had been discussions, and he seemed to have confidence and support from the owners and the board that he would continue for at least another year."
He added:
"Do I think it’s justified? No, I don’t. I think Arne did a fantastic job at Liverpool. The problem is that a club is run by people, and people at the top are always sensitive to outside opinions. When the pressure keeps building, when more and more people start talking, and when supporters increasingly turn against the manager, owners and board members can become very sensitive to that and start going along with it."
"They don’t want everyone against them, so they start thinking, ‘Maybe we have to make this decision after all. So it’s a shame that he’s leaving. And I think Liverpool have handled it badly by acting in that way."
Slot managed the Reds for 113 fixtures across all competitions, winning 66, drawing 19, and losing 28, with a win percentage of 58.4.
Andoni Iraola set to sign 2-year deal with Liverpool as Arne Slot replacement: Fabrizio Romano
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is set to sign a two-year deal with Liverpool, valid until June 2028. The Spaniard is set to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed over the weekend.
Romano tweeted on X:
"Andoni Iraola to sign a two year deal until June 2028 at Liverpool, already involved in transfer plans and strategy. Iraola asked for a two year deal as he always did at Bournemouth."
Iraola has impressed with his high-intensity, heavy-metal brand of football over the past three years at Bournemouth. The 43-year-old made a great impact with the Cherries, guiding them to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, helping them qualify for Europe for the first time in the club's history.