Arne Slot has been removed from his role as Liverpool head coach with immediate effect, the club announced on Saturday afternoon.
The Dutchman delivered the Reds’ 20th Premier League crown in his debut campaign in charge, but a poor title defence and uninspiring football has led to the manager’s departure.
The Merseyside outfit finished fifth in the table, ensuring their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, but ended the season trophyless and far off the pace of champions Arsenal.
Fans had become increasingly frustrated with the side’s performances in recent months, booing the team off after draws with Spurs in March and Chelsea in may.
Liverpool say that the process to hire a replacement is underway, with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola the favourite to land the vacancy.
Arne Slot gone as Liverpool announce manager’s departure
In a joint statement released on Friday, the club stressed that the decision to sack Arne Slot was a “difficult” one, but that “change is necessary”.
“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.
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.
He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.
“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.”
