Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool manager after two years in charge, following a difficult 2025/26 Premier League season that saw the club suffer 12 league defeats and only secure Champions League qualification on the final day
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Arne Slot has been sacked, drawing the curtain on his two-year tenure as Liverpool manager.
The Dutch boss penned a three-year contract in summer 2024 and steered the Reds to their 20th top-flight crown, sealing it with four weeks remaining before finishing the Premier League season a commanding 10 points ahead of runners-up Arsenal.
Yet Slot's second campaign proved far more challenging, with 12 league losses marking the club's poorest return in 11 years, while Liverpool suffered 20 defeats across all competitions.
Aston Villa secured Champions League qualification with a 4-2 victory over Liverpool in their final home match of the season at Villa Park.
Injuries and a dip in form amongst crucial squad members were pointed to as factors behind the decline, though Slot's playing style faced scrutiny throughout a difficult campaign that saw the club only clinch Champions League football on the season's final day.
In a joint statement, Liverpool's ownership expressed their gratitude for Arne's achievements at Anfield and the leadership displayed during his two-year stint: "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.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"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. 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."