Liverpool sack Slot after disappointing second season

LONDON: Liverpool have parted ways with manager Arne Slot after a disappointing second season that saw the Premier League champions slip to fifth place and miss out on Champions League qualification, the club said on Saturday.

Slot, who replaced Juergen Klopp in 2024, had delivered the Premier League title in his debut campaign, powered by a prolific season from Mohamed Salah. However, his second year in charge failed to meet expectations as Liverpool struggled for consistency across competitions.

The club said the decision was taken after a review of the season, which ended without silverware and a significant drop in league performance.

“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,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“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.”

The club added that “change is necessary” to ensure progress going forward, describing the decision as difficult but required.

Slot’s second season saw Liverpool finish fifth with 60 points, their lowest tally since the 2015–16 campaign and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Despite heavy investment in the squad, results failed to improve. Liverpool reportedly spent a club-record £446 million ($600.27 million) in the transfer market, including a £125 million move for striker Alexander Isak.

However, injuries and inconsistent form hampered key signings, while attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz managed only five league goals in his debut season.

Tensions also emerged within the squad, with forward Mohamed Salah publicly criticising team selection and later leaving the club at the end of the season. In a parting message, he urged Liverpool to return to their “heavy metal” style of attacking football.

Liverpool also endured tragedy during the season following the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in Spain, an event the club said Slot handled with “compassion and humanity”.

“The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person,” the club added.

Liverpool said the process of appointing a new manager was already underway, with reports linking Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to the role.

The club wished Slot well for the future, saying it expected him to remain successful in his coaching career.