Liverpool sack slot after just two seasons, move for Iraola

Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after two seasons in charge, despite the Dutchman delivering the club’s 20th league title in his debut campaign.

The 47-year-old has paid the price for a dramatic dip in form during his second year at Anfield, with the Reds finishing fifth in the Premier League — 25 points behind champions Arsenal and mustering their lowest points tally since 2015-16.

Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Slot, with the club already approaching the Spaniard to discuss the role.

‘Difficult decision’

In a statement, owners Fenway Sports Group said: “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.”

The decision was made by FSG chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola during his time at Bournemouth.

Liverpool insisted a change of head coach was not on the agenda following the end of the season last weekend. However, the club’s hierarchy concluded that the next phase requires a “more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football”.

Record spending, tragic loss

Liverpool spent £415m last summer — the highest outlay by a British club in a single window — breaking the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m and adding Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a club-record £116m.

The campaign was also marked by tragedy, with forward Diogo Jota dying in a car crash in July.

FSG acknowledged Slot’s handling of that period, stating: “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.”

Fan reaction divided

Supporters offered mixed responses. One said: “Sad but necessary. Slot had an amazing first campaign but we have lost our way this season.”

Another lamented the timing: “Too slow by FSG! The opportunity to make this change has been there for months and yet they make it now that prime candidate (Xabi Alonso) has moved to a Premier League rival.”

Slot’s backroom staff are also widely expected to leave, though no announcement has been made on their positions.

Additional reporting by Alastair Telfer, Sami Mokbel and Aadam Patel