Arne Slot fired: Who will replace Liverpool manager after bombshell sacking?
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is now the favorite to take over at Liverpool after the club made a stunning coaching change.
Liverpool confirmed Saturday that Arne Slot has left the club with immediate effect, opening the door to one of the biggest coaching vacancies in European soccer. Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola could be set to remain in the Premier League after his historic spell with the Cherries.
“Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way,” the club announced.
The news has sent shockwaves through English soccer.
Liverpool moves on from Arne Slot
Despite securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, Liverpool’s fifth-place finish in 2025-26 was not enough to satisfy the club’s hierarchy. The disappointing campaign came after the Reds spent more than $580 million on new signings over the past two seasons.
“It’s over between the Dutch manager and Liverpool after end of the season review,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported.
A significant drop in performance levels, coupled with reported tensions involving star forward Mohamed Salah, ultimately sealed Slot’s fate. He leaves Anfield just two years after arriving and a year before his contract was due to expire in June 2027.
Iraola’s patience could pay off
Few coaches have done more to strengthen their reputation over the past two years than Iraola.
The Spanish manager had already been linked with Manchester United and was reportedly Chelsea’s second choice before the London club hired Xabi Alonso. In recent weeks, he has also been connected with openings at Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Now, however, Liverpool appears to have changed the equation entirely.
The former Bournemouth boss is viewed as the leading candidate to inherit one of the most prestigious jobs in world soccer. Both Chelsea and Leverkusen had previously pushed hard to bring Iraola in and were believed to be deep into discussions during their respective searches.
With Liverpool now entering the market, the race for one of Spain’s most sought-after coaches may have taken a dramatic turn.
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