Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool sacked manager Arne Slot on Saturday, saying the club were seeking a "change of direction", after a disastrous defence of their Premier League title.
Issued on: 30/05/2026 - 16:10
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The Reds finished fifth in the table, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite spending a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new players in one transfer window last year.Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly set to take over at Anfield after leading the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club's history.Just over a year ago Slot was heralded as a hero after taking on the daunting role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season in charge.Yet fans turned on the Dutchman this season after a series of lacklustre performances.There was also sign of dressing room disharmony, most notably from Mohamed Salah on his way out of the club. In an explosive social media post earlier this month, which was liked by multiple members of the Liverpool squad, Salah called for a return to "heavy metal football", referring to Klopp's high energy style of play, in a perceived dig at Slot's more cautious approach.Liverpool's return of 60 points was their lowest since the 2015/16 season.Despite their troubles, it had been reported that Slot would be handed a stay of execution after securing Champions League qualification.'Different approach'However, the club's owners, the American-based Fenway Sports Group, have succumbed to fan pressure to axe the former Feyenoord boss."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 club said in a statement.
