Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot less than a week after the final day of the Premier League season, and former Reds captain Steven Gerrard has given his thoughts on the decision
View Image
Steven Gerrard has admitted he is 'gutted' for Arne Slot while confessing he is 'not surprised' by Liverpool's decision to dismiss their head coach. The Reds confirmed the news on Saturday before the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot's departure comes less than a week after the final day of the Premier League season. Liverpool drew 1-1 with Brentford at Anfield to finish fifth and clinch a place in the league phase of next season's Champions League, yet ended up 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal, a year on from winning the league.
Gerrard is at the final in Budapest as a pundit for TNT Sports. Liverpool's legendary former captain has shared his thoughts on the announcement.
*FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page*
He said: "Not surprised. Gutted for Arne Slot because in his first year, he had done an incredible job. Taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and he had done it seamlessly.
"It's very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most. For him to deliver that in year one cannot be forgotten, so I think he will go down in the history books and be remembered forever.
"Having said that, in the last 10 games of last season and the majority of this season, we have not looked like Liverpool. The style... it has been difficult to watch at times. It looks disjointed, broken.
"When I got the news, of course, your initial reaction is surprise and shock. But when you analyse it properly, it's probably the right time in my opinion."
Gerrard added: "Well, look, I think we've all been around the game long enough to know how the 'process' works. I would be very surprised if they made that decision and all of a sudden thought, 'Well, who are we going to appoint next?'
"Liverpool don't work like that. Liverpool are an organised machine, up top, they have been for a long time.
"I think it is the right time because it is the end of the season. A new guy will get a pre-season, and he will get that chance to recruit players. As a manager going in, it is the best time to go in, to reset everyone, and get everyone moving forward in the right direction.
"I'd be extremely surprised if the people above Slot who make the big decisions at Liverpool all of a sudden started from three or four hours ago looking for a successor."
Andoni Iraola is the early frontrunner to succeed Slot. When asked whether the departing Bournemouth manager would be the appropriate choice, Gerrard said: "Potentially, yes. I think he has done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.
"Let's not beat around the bush, Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world, so I don't think he will be the only name on the table. But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well.
"But then, you know, there are other names out there as well that I am sure would want that Liverpool job. It's a huge job in world football. Potentially, to answer your question, I think he should be in the conversation, yes."