Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool manager after presiding over a disappointing second season, with ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola wanted to replace him12:18, 30 May 2026Updated 12:36, 30 May 2026Liverpool have decided to sack Arne Slot and want to hire Andoni Iraola as his replacement. Slot had been expected to continue as Reds boss, despite presiding over a disappointing second campaign, but the Dutchman is now being replaced as boss.‌Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy in a major fall from grace after winning the title in Slot's maiden campaign. Slot still had a year left on his contract and it previously appeared as though he would continue as manager.‌But owners Fenway Sports Group have decided to cut ties with their boss after conducting a post-season review. Iraola is their top target to replace Slot after leaving Bournemouth, having guided them to sixth place.‌The club said in a statement: "Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page"Having joined the club in June 2024, Arne went on to deliver our 20th league title in his first season in charge, ending the 2024-25 campaign as LMA Manager of the Year having also guided the team to the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.‌"He subsequently oversaw Champions League qualification for a second successive season in 2025-26 as the Reds also reached the quarter-finals of the same competition."Liverpool's ownership added: “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.‌HAVE YOUR SAY! Have Liverpool made the right decision - and who should replace Arne Slot? Comment below.“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 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.”‌Iraola is in high demand after leading Bournemouth into the Europa League by finishing the season with an 18-game unbeaten run. Crystal Palace want the 43-year-old Spaniard to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, while Bayer Leverkusen have also been engaged in advanced talks with him.Palace are understood to have given Iraola a deadline of the end of this weekend to make a decision. Iraola is understood to prefer to stay in the Premier League after three seasons with the Cherries and Liverpool would present a tempting opportunity, with the Reds set for the Champions League next season, despite their dip in form.Liverpool managed just 60 points in the Premier League this season, a whopping 24 fewer than Slot accrued in his debut campaign after arriving to replace Jurgen Klopp. They were beaten 19 times across all competitions in 2025/26 - a total which has forced FSG's hand.Article continues belowJoin our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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