“Change is necessary”: Liverpool explain stunning decision to fire Arne Slot

Arne Slot has been fired by Liverpool after only two seasons in charge, a little more than 12 months after leading the Anfield club to its 20th Premier League title.

The Reds have decided to make a change because of “the team’s trajectory,” as they explained in a lengthy statement. While the Dutchman secured Champions League qualification for Liverpool next season, he has ultimately paid the price for an alarming decline in the space of a year.

While Liverpool were crowned champions with 84 points in 2024-25, 10 ahead of second-place Arsenal, they picked up 24 fewer points in the season just completed, finishing 25 points behind the Gunners, the new champions.

That came after the club reportedly spent approximately $580 million on new players to build a roster in Slot’s image. A common view was that the former Feyenoord coach had won the Premier League title in his first season with predecessor Jürgen Klopp’s team.

Results and performances raise concerns

There have also been criticisms of Liverpool’s style of play, while Slot had to oversee a number of fan favorites nearing the end of their spells at the club. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson were no longer automatic starters, with the reported tension between Salah and Slot overshadowing the Egyptian’s final few months on Merseyside.

All things considered, Liverpool has claimed that a “change is necessary,” while expressing its gratitude for Slot’s achievements during his shorter-than-expected time at Anfield.

Liverpool fire Slot: Full statement

“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.

“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.

“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.

“That accomplishment, made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge, was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

“Nevertheless, 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.”

Andoni Iraola emerges as favorite

Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of the 2025-26 season, has emerged as the early frontrunner to succeed Slot. Liverpool says “the process to appoint a successor is under way.”

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