Arne Slot sacked by Liverpool as ‘small list of leading contenders’ to replace him emerges

Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool following a review, as a ‘small list of leading contenders’ to replace him emerges.

After two seasons in charge, the Dutchman’s time has come to an end, guiding them to the Premier League title in his first season, then finished 5th in the second season.

Big changes to come at the Merseyside outfit, having seen player departures including the likes of Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté.

Alex Crook tweeted following the announcement: “Understand Andoni Iraola is on a small list of leading contenders to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool.

“Liverpool hierarchy were determined to stick with Arne Slot but ultimately they felt performance levels were not improving sufficiently and it’s easier to change a manager than a bunch of players.”

Fabrizio Romano states that ‘Andoni Iraola is clear favourite to take over as next Liverpool head coach.’

He added: “Oliver Glasner will meet AC Milan early next week, likely on Tuesday with club in talks to find new manager.

“Deal was never advanced with Andoni Iraola despite reports as he was waiting for Liverpool call.”

David Ornstein: “Andoni Iraola clear favourite to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool boss. #LFC may talk to other candidates like Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoenes & Pierre Sage of Lens but 43yo Spaniard leading candidate after #AFCB exit & close to Richard Hughes”

FootyInsider say according to one unnamed UK leading bookmaker:
Andoni Iraola – evens
Luis Enrique – 4/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 6/1
Jurgen Klopp – 6/1
Steven Gerrard – 14/1
Simone Inzaghi – 16/1
Unai Emery – 16/1
Oliver Glasner – 16/1
Matthias Jaissle – 20/1

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.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 30, 2026

🚨 Andoni Iraola clear favourite to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool boss. #LFC may talk to other candidates like Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoenes & Pierre Sage of Lens but 43yo Spaniard leading candidate after #AFCB exit & close to Richard Hughes @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/lLJ6Lr5V5p

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 30, 2026

#LFC hierarchy were determined to stick with Arne Slot but ultimately they felt performance levels were not improving sufficiently and it’s easier to change a manager than a bunch of players. https://t.co/9Vi6ytnprW

— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) May 30, 2026

LIVERPOOL STATEMENT:

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.

Having joined the club in June 2024, Arne went on to deliver our 20th league title in his first season in charge, ending the 2024-25 campaign as LMA Manager of the Year having also guided the team to the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.

He subsequently oversaw Champions League qualification for a second successive season in 2025-26 as the Reds also reached the quarter-finals of the same competition.

In a joint statement, Liverpool’s ownership underlined its appreciation for the success Arne brought to the club and also the leadership displayed in his two years in charge: “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.

🚨 EXCL: Arne Slot says goodbye to Liverpool fans.

“It’s been an amazing ride together with Liverpool, I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season”. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AONbxY9m38

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2026

“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.”