Liverpool sacked head coach Arne Slot on Saturday after a disappointing defence of their Premier League title - with Andoni Iraola the favourite to replace him
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
New claims about Arne Slot's tenure have come to light following his Liverpool departure(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Liverpool’s hierarchy started to have doubts about Arne Slot when he moved Dominik Szoboszlai to right-back following the season-ending injury of Conor Bradley. That’s according to The Athletic, who are reporting that some members of the Reds' squad privately questioned the wisdom of moving the Hungary international.
The report also claims that some members of the Liverpool squad felt that the new signings were given an easier ride and were more likely to retain their place if they under-performed. The Reds spent around £450m during the summer transfer window last year, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong all arriving for big money.
While the report also says that the concerns within the dressing room also extended to tactical set-ups. The outlet claims that during the recent defeat to Aston Villa, players were left confused as to who they were meant to be defending at set-pieces - something the home side exploited as they claimed a 4-2 victory.
Slot was sacked as head coach at Anfield on Saturday, 12 months on from winning only the club’s second title in 35 years after a pitiful defence ended with them stumbling to a fifth-place finish.
But in an open letter to supporters published by the ECHO, he wrote: “Liverpool’s 20th league title belongs to all of us, and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that, we should all be proud.
“This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be. But I also leave knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite.
“Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond. I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead.
Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year
Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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“The players, who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.
“At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud. When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.”
He concluded the letter saying: "Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.
"When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it."
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