Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slot on Saturday, citing a need for a "change of direction" following a disastrous defence of their Premier League title. 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 the last transfer window.
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 hailed as a hero after succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season. However, fans turned on the Dutchman this season after a series of lacklustre performances, and signs of dressing room disharmony emerged, 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 Liverpool squad members, Salah called for a return to "heavy metal football," referring to Klopp's high-energy style, 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, reports had suggested 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, 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," the club said in a statement. "Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but. 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."
Liverpool added that "the process to appoint a successor is under way." Many fans were keen for the return of Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but the club's former midfielder will instead take charge of Chelsea next season. Iraola's stock is high after an 18-game unbeaten league run to finish the campaign in sixth, just three points behind Liverpool despite vastly inferior resources. The Spaniard also worked together with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously held a similar role at Bournemouth.
Slot ultimately paid for failing to get a return on Liverpool's huge investment last summer. British transfer record signing Alexander Isak was beset by fitness problems, while Florian Wirtz struggled with the transition to the Premier League after a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Slot also had to deal with emotional turmoil caused by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.
