Liverpool Sack Premier League-Winning Manager Arne Slot and Target Iraola

Liverpool have dismissed Arne Slot less than 13 months after he guided the club to a record-equalling 20th league title, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after two seasons in charge, bringing a sudden end to the Dutchman’s tenure despite his success in delivering the club’s 20th English league title during his first campaign.
The decision follows a disappointing 2025-26 season in which Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Slot, with Liverpool understood to have approached the Spaniard over the vacancy.

Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), said the decision was made after a review of the season and reflected the club’s belief that a change of direction was needed. In a statement, the club described Slot’s contribution as “significant, meaningful and successful” but said Liverpool’s future trajectory would be best served by a different approach.

“We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward,” the club said.

Arne Slot has been dismissed by Liverpool after two seasons in charge despite winning the Premier League title during his first camp — Liverpool performance Comparison with the Title-Winning 2024–25 Season

From Title-Winner to Exit

Slot arrived at Anfield in 2024 as the successor to Jurgen Klopp and enjoyed immediate success, guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season.

However, Liverpool’s fortunes declined sharply during his second campaign.

The club’s fifth-place finish represented its lowest points total since the 2015-16 season, despite significant investment in the squad. Liverpool spent approximately £415 million on six players during the summer transfer window, including high-profile signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

The season was also marked by adversity. Liverpool were forced to navigate a campaign affected by injuries and the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash, an event the club said tested the team’s resilience and highlighted Slot’s leadership qualities.
Despite those challenges, senior figures at the club concluded that Liverpool needed a more aggressive and front-foot style of football as they enter the next phase of their development.

Why Liverpool Changed Course

The decision appears to have been driven less by results alone and more by concerns about the team’s long-term direction.

According to reports close to the club, Liverpool’s hierarchy believe the next stage of the project requires a more urgent and attacking identity, closer to the high-intensity football associated with Klopp’s most successful teams.
Earlier this month, Mohamed Salah publicly called for Liverpool to return to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear”, comments widely interpreted as reflecting concerns about the team’s playing style.

Questions also emerged over Slot’s authority within the dressing room as the season progressed. While the Dutchman won widespread praise for delivering a league title in his debut campaign, reports suggested some supporters and figures within the club questioned whether he possessed the influence and leadership presence associated with Klopp.

Iraola Emerges as Favourite

Attention is now turning to Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The 43-year-old Spaniard is regarded as one of Europe’s most highly rated coaches and has earned praise for transforming Bournemouth into a competitive and attack-minded side.

Iraola also has strong links to Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who appointed him at Bournemouth in 2023 before moving to Anfield.

Liverpool are expected to hold further discussions in the coming days as they seek a successor capable of restoring momentum and returning the club to Premier League title contention.

For Slot, the dismissal represents a remarkable fall from grace. Just over a year after leading Liverpool to the league title, he becomes the first manager in the club’s modern era to be sacked so soon after delivering domestic success.

For Liverpool, meanwhile, the decision underlines the relentless expectations that accompany life at one of world football’s biggest clubs.

Reporting by Edem Hodasi
Additional sourcing: BBC Sport, Sky Sports, This Is Anfield and club statements.