Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slot, saying the club were seeking a “change of direction”, after a disastrous defence of their Premier League title.
The Reds finished fifth on the table, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite spending a Premier League record of about $1 billion 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 first season in charge.
But fans turned on the Dutchman this season after a series of lacklustre performances and poor results.
Liverpool lost 19 times in all competitions and a return of 60 Premier League points was their lowest since the 2015/16 season.
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 this month, 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.
That post was liked by multiple members of the Liverpool squad.
“I’m not surprised,” former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports. “I’m gutted for Arne Slot because in his first year, he did an incredible job.
“Taking the reins from the great Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill. I think he did it seamlessly. It’s very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most.”
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.
“The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
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 $225 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Slot, though, also had to deal with emotional turmoil caused by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.
– AFP
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