Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot and are on the hunt for a new head coach - and one name is at the top of their shortlist16:18, 30 May 2026Updated 16:18, 30 May 2026Liverpool boss Arne Slot reportedly only found out he was being sacked on Saturday morning, with the Reds starting their hunt for a new head coach. The Dutchman had been under huge pressure after a tough season in his second term in charge and despite surviving the campaign, was suddenly relieved of his duties.‌Give Me Sport claims the head coach only found out in the hours leading up to Liverpool's announcement, with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola the frontrunner to take over at Anfield.‌The report claims only a 'handful' of candidates are being considered with Sebastian Hoeneß and Pierre Sage on the club's shortlist to succeed Slot. The Dutch head coach won the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, but the Reds were a far cry from the imperious form they showed last season.‌The Daily Mail, meanwhile, claim that Slot was surprised and that Liverpool players were 'shocked' by the news.Liverpool only secured Champions League football on the final day of the season and finished 25 points behind eventual winners Arsenal at the top of the table.The Reds hierarchy say it was a difficult decision to part ways with Slot, but performances had shown little sign of improvement across the campaign. In a statement, Liverpool's owners 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.‌"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.‌"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.Article continues below"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."Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!