LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after a disappointing second season in charge, ending his tenure just one year after he led the club to the Premier League title.
The club confirmed on Saturday that Slot had left his role with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor was already under way. In a statement, Liverpool acknowledged Slot’s role in delivering the club’s 20th league title in his debut campaign but said a change was necessary after a sharp decline in performance.
Slot replaced Jürgen Klopp in 2024 and made an immediate impact, guiding Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title and earning the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award. He also took the team to the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League in his first season.
But Liverpool’s title defence quickly unravelled. The team finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, and failed to win a domestic trophy. Reuters reported that the club also missed out on Champions League qualification after an underwhelming campaign marked by poor form, injuries and inconsistency among key players and new signings.
The season was also overshadowed by the death of forward Diogo Jota, a tragedy that deeply affected the squad and supporters. Liverpool’s owners praised Slot’s professionalism and leadership during that difficult period, but concluded that the club needed a new direction.
Liverpool had spent heavily in an attempt to refresh the squad, including major deals for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. However, the new-look team struggled for rhythm, while Mohamed Salah’s departure and public concerns over the team’s style increased pressure on Slot.
Reports in Britain say former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is among the leading candidates to replace him. The Guardian reported that Liverpool want a more aggressive, front-foot playing style and have identified Iraola as a strong option, though no appointment has yet been confirmed.
Slot leaves Anfield with a mixed legacy: the manager who delivered a historic title in his first season, but also the coach whose second campaign collapsed badly enough to force a rapid reset.
For Liverpool, the decision marks the beginning of another major transition as the club tries to rebuild quickly and return to the Champions League places.
