Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after two seasons in charge and have approached Andoni Iraola about taking over. Slot, 47, led the Reds to their 20th league title in his first season but saw the side struggle in his second year, finishing fifth in the Premier League with 60 points — their lowest total since 2015–16 and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
The club say their assessment of the squad after the season ended led them to seek a change of direction. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) paid tribute to Slot’s contribution, calling his time at Liverpool “significant, meaningful and — most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves — successful,” and noting his work ethic and leadership. The owners added that the decision was made with gratitude for his achievements and that he and his family would always be welcome at Anfield.
However, Liverpool’s hierarchy concluded the next phase requires a more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of play. The decision was taken by chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, who believe a different approach is needed to get the team back on track.
Iraola, 43, is the leading candidate to replace Slot. The Spaniard, recently departed as Bournemouth head coach, is highly rated across Europe and is known for an attacking style of football. He was appointed at Bournemouth while Richard Hughes was technical director at the club; the Cherries finished one place and three points behind Liverpool this season and have qualified for the Europa League.
Slot had succeeded Jurgen Klopp in 2024 when Klopp stepped down after nine years at Anfield. This season’s dip prompted high-profile calls from inside the squad to return to the kind of intense, attacking “heavy metal” football that brought Liverpool sustained success under Klopp; forward Mohamed Salah publicly urged a return to that approach after a collapse at Aston Villa earlier in the season.
The club expect Slot’s backroom staff to depart as well, though there has been no formal announcement on their positions.
Supporters’ reactions have been mixed. Some fans criticised FSG for acting too late, saying opportunities to appoint other candidates were missed and lamenting the chaotic season after heavy summer investment. Others described the move as sad but necessary, praising Slot for winning the title and wishing him well, while some welcomed the timing of the decision to allow a new coach time to prepare for next season. Several supporters stressed the need for a manager who understands what Liverpool means to players, fans and the city.
Liverpool now enter a period of recruitment for a new head coach amid high expectations from supporters and the board for a more attacking, proactive style next season.
