Liverpool announced on Saturday that it had fired boss Arne Slot, just a year after winning the Premier League title, with Andoni Iraola up for grabs this summer after leaving Bournemouth
12:44, 30 May 2026Updated 12:51, 30 May 2026
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Liverpool has wielded the axe and fired Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola emerging as the early favorite to replace the Dutchman.
Slot was fired on Saturday just a year after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title after replacing Jurgen Klopp. But this season has been a disappointing one for the Reds, who had to settle for fifth place in the table.
That was enough to secure a spot in next season's Champions League and it was believed that Slot would keep his job into next season. But FSG decided to pull the plug and confirmed Slot's exit in a lengthy statement.
Liverpool confirmed its search for a replacement is already underway and The Times reports that Iraola is the frontrunner to take over at Anfield.
The Spaniard guided Bournemouth into Europe this season but confirmed he would leave the club in search of a new opportunity. He was linked with Crystal Palace but reports this week suggested he would be open to the Liverpool job.
It has been claimed that Iraola has received an approach from a 'top club' as he weighs up his next move. Interestingly, he worked with Liverpool chief Richard Hughes at Bournemouth, which could open the door to Liverpool conversations.
A statement from Liverpool 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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“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.
"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.
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"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.