Liverpool make Arne Slot sack decision with Andoni Iraola 'favourite' to be appointed | OneFootball

Dutchman struggled in his second season

Liverpool have decided to part ways with Arne Slot, just over a year after the Dutchman guided the club to Premier League glory.

Slot, who replaced the legendary figure of Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, won the Premier League title in his first season in charge and also reached a Carabao Cup final.

However, it was confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Liverpool had decided to sack Slot following a disappointing second season in which the club finished 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

A statement reads: “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.

“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.

Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool was a success

Getty

“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 this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying

Liverpool FC on Arne Slot

“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.

Furthermore, reports claim that Andoni Iraola is the favourite to replace Slot at Anfield after his decision to leave Bournemouth.