Liverpool sack head coach Arne Slot one year after winning Premier League title
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Andoni Iraoli among frontrunners to replace him
Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot after an end-of-season review into the club’s disappointing title defence. The Dutch coach guided Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title only last season, his first at the helm since replacing Jürgen Klopp, but a difficult season that culminated in a fifth-placed finish has prompted his exit.
Slot has departed with immediate effect. Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, is among the frontrunners for the Anfield vacancy.
Liverpool posted on social media on Saturday at 12.30pm: “He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.” In a statement on the club’s website, the ownership wrote: “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.”
The statement also paid tribute to the Dutchman’s handling of the aftermath of Diogo Jota’s death, saying: “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.”
However, 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.”
Slot’s position has been the subject of intense debate for much of a disappointing season, and Anfield’s frustrations rose to the surface when boos accompanied the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, though the Dutchman said in the aftermath of that defeat that he expected to stay at Anfield.
Before the season’s finale, a number of player endorsed comments on social media by the departing Mohamed Salah about the change of tactics under Slot from Klopp’s formula. There were no speeches on the pitch after the season concluded with another disappointing 1-1 draw, against Brentford, despite presentations to Salah and Andy Robertson.
This story will update