Head coach Arne Slot has been dismissed by Liverpool after spending two seasons at Anfield.
The 47-year-old Dutchman led the Reds to a historic 20th league title in his debut season, but hopes faded as a lackluster second year ended with Liverpool slipping to fifth in the Premier League.
Andoni Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss, has surged to the top of Liverpool’s shortlist, with reports suggesting the club is already deep in talks with the Spaniard about taking the helm.
Liverpool may have clinched a Champions League spot for next season, but their campaign ended on a sour note with just 60 points, their lowest haul since 2015/16, and a staggering 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal.
In a statement, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, praising Slot’s contribution during his time at the club.
“Arne’s impact on Liverpool FC has been significant, meaningful, and, most importantly, successful. His dedication, professionalism, and expertise reinforced our belief that he is one of the outstanding coaches in the game,” the statement read.
FSG acknowledged Slot’s accomplishments but insisted that a fresh direction is vital to spark the next chapter in Liverpool’s evolution.
Liverpool had long insisted their manager was secure, but after a searching end-of-season review, club leaders decided the team must embrace a bolder, more attacking brand of football.
The call reportedly came from FSG chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, who together shaped this pivotal moment for the club.
At 43, Iraola is hailed as one of Europe’s most promising coaching minds, celebrated for his fearless attacking approach. His appointment at Bournemouth came during Richard Hughes’s tenure as technical director, before Hughes’s own move to Liverpool in 2024.
Bournemouth finished the season breathing down Liverpool’s neck, just one spot and three points behind, and clinched a coveted Europa League berth.
Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in 2024 after the German ended a highly successful nine-year spell at Anfield. Earlier this month, Mohamed Salah suggested Liverpool needed to return to the “heavy-metal” attacking football that made them one of Europe’s most feared teams under Klopp.
“The conclusion we have reached reflects our belief that the team’s trajectory requires a different approach,” FSG added. “This decision does not diminish Arne’s achievements or the respect we have for him. He leaves with our gratitude, a Premier League title to his name, and the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcome at Anfield.”
Slot’s backroom team is also tipped to leave, though Liverpool have yet to confirm what lies ahead for his coaching staff.
