Liverpool part ways with Arne Slot following a disappointing title defence

Liverpool have dismissed head coach Arne Slot following an end-of-season review of the club’s disappointing Premier League title defence, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Dutch manager guided Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title in his first season in charge since replacing club legend Jurgen Klopp, ending the 2024/25 campaign as LMA Manager of the Year.

The club statement read: “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 statement on the club’s website, the ownership wrote, “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. His commitment 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.”

Liverpool endured a dismal season under Slot, setting an unwanted club record for the most defeats in a single campaign this century with 20 losses across all competitions.

The Reds narrowly secured Champions League qualification after finishing fifth in the Premier League, behind both Aston Villa and rivals Manchester United.

Slot has left his role with immediate effect, while former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him at Anfield.