Liverpool has sacked its Dutch manager Arne Slot in the wake of a desperately disappointing Premier League season that prompted ample fan unrest.
Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season in charge last year, had been tipped to remain in charge for the final year of his contract.
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But Fabrizio Romano reported on X on Saturday night (AEST) that Slot would leave Liverpool after an end-of-season review.
Liverpool then confirmed Slot would depart his role as head coach “with immediate effect” following two seasons at the club.
“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,” a Liverpool statement read.
“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.
“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.”
Romano reported Andoni Iraola was the “clear favourite” to take the reins at Anfield, with the process to appoint a successor already underway.
Slot had been facing calls for his sacking after Liverpool’s underwhelming Premier League title defence, which saw the team finish in fifth spot. It also limped into the Champions League spots.
Liverpool fans turned on Slot after a number of poor performances.
There was also some disharmony in the dressing room, with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken. Tensions between Slot and club great Salah simmered for months after Salah was dropped for three consecutive matches.
Salah told reporters in December his relationship with Slot had broken down. And in a social media post following a defeat at Aston Villa earlier this month, Salah said he wanted to see a return to “heavy metal football” — a reference to the approach under former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Slot congratulated Arsenal for its first title in 22 years, but said its success showed how the Premier League had changed to a style more focused on set pieces.
“Winning the Premier League is never easy and they have done a tremendous job this season but for me they have been a different champion to the teams the last 10 seasons,” added Slot.
“First of all because it is the first time in 30 years 40 per cent of their goals are from set pieces.
“So football has changed and evolved and we have to make sure we are able to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City next season with our own brand of football.”
— with AFP