Premier League managerial announcement as Newcastle United buck the trend with Eddie Howe stance.
Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot, just one year after winning the Premier League title.
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe (L) and Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (C) shake hands after the English League Cup final football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, north-west London on March 16, 2025. Newcastle won the game 2-1. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)placeholder image
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe (L) and Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (C) shake hands after the English League Cup final football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, north-west London on March 16, 2025. Newcastle won the game 2-1. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) | AFP via Getty Images
Slot guided Liverpool to their 20th top-flight title in his debut season but struggled in his second year, finishing 5th on 60 points - their lowest points total for 10 years.
The Reds qualified for the Champions League but finished 25 points behind champions Arsenal, while also failing to progress past the quarter-final stage in Europe and both domestic cup competitions.
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Recently departed AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is expected to succeed Slot at Anfield.
Liverpool owners explain decision to sack Arne Slot
“That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying,” said Liverpool’s owners. “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.
“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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Newcastle United have already made Eddie Howe decision
The dismissal means Newcastle boss Howe, with maybe the exception of Everton’s David Moyes, is the only is the only Premier League manager to still be in the job after a below-par season.
Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim in January and under the management of Michael Carrick climbed to the table to claim a third place finish.
Chelsea replaced Manchester City-bound Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior but sacked him after just four months after he come the first Blues boss to lose five straight matches without scoring a goal for the first time since 1912.
Meanwhile, the likes of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur went through three managers last season in their bid to fight off Premier League relegation.
There have been sections of the Newcastle fanbase who have called for Howe to be replaced after dropping from 5th to 12th in the Premier League, but the club’s owners have made the decision to stick by the 48-year-old.
Howe remains one of the Magpies’ most successful ever managers having won the Carabao Cup and twice qualified for the Champions League during his four-and-a-half-years in charge.
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