Arne Slot’s time at Liverpool is over — and while the decision has shocked many across Europe, the signs had been there for months.
Just over a year ago, Slot was being celebrated as the man who successfully followed Jürgen Klopp. Replacing a club legend looked like one of the hardest jobs in football, yet the Dutch coach immediately won over supporters by delivering Liverpool’s 20th league title in his very first season. He became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League and appeared to be the ideal figure to lead the club into a new era.
But football rarely waits for yesterday’s success.
Liverpool officially parted ways with Slot after a deeply disappointing second campaign that saw the Reds finish well below expectations despite massive investment and one of the strongest squads in the league. The club’s owners described the decision as necessary to keep Liverpool “moving forward,” stressing that it was not taken lightly.
Results were only part of the problem.
Throughout the season, criticism of Liverpool’s style of play became increasingly loud. Klopp’s Liverpool had built its reputation on intensity, relentless pressing and emotional football that connected players, supporters and the city itself. Under Slot, many fans felt that identity had slowly disappeared. Liverpool often looked slower, less aggressive and easier to play against. Defensive issues became a recurring theme, particularly from set-pieces, while the team struggled to break down opponents sitting deep.
The statistics painted an uncomfortable picture. Liverpool suffered nearly 20 defeats across all competitions, crashed out of Europe earlier than expected and ended the campaign with one of their lowest points totals in over a decade. A season that began with hopes of challenging for every trophy gradually turned into a battle just to secure Champions League qualification.
There were also difficult circumstances beyond football. The tragic death of Diogo Jota cast a shadow over the entire club and deeply affected the dressing room. Liverpool’s hierarchy publicly praised Slot for the way he handled one of the darkest periods in the club’s recent history, but internally there was growing concern that performances on the pitch were moving in the wrong direction.
Reports from England suggest that frustration was not limited to supporters. Questions emerged over the effectiveness of the summer recruitment, several high-profile signings failed to deliver the expected impact, and there were increasing rumours about tensions within the squad. Mohamed Salah’s public comments regarding Liverpool’s style of play only added fuel to the debate surrounding Slot’s future.
Now Liverpool face another huge decision.
According to multiple reports, former Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Anfield. The Spaniard has earned enormous praise for his work in the Premier League, transforming Bournemouth into one of the most exciting and aggressive teams in the division. His sides are known for their relentless pressing, high intensity and fearless attacking approach — qualities many Liverpool supporters believe have been missing over the past season.
Iraola’s stock has risen dramatically after guiding Bournemouth to their best-ever Premier League campaign and securing European football. At 43, he is viewed as one of the brightest tactical minds in the game and fits the profile Liverpool’s ownership group has often preferred: progressive, modern and capable of developing players rather than demanding complete control of transfers.
Other names have reportedly been discussed, including Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeneß and French coach Pierre Sage, but Iraola is currently considered the clear favourite. Talks are expected to take place soon as Liverpool attempt to move quickly before preparations for next season begin.
For Slot, the ending feels particularly harsh. Winning the Premier League in his debut season should have guaranteed him a lasting place in Liverpool history, and in many ways it already has. Yet at a club where expectations are measured in trophies, performances and identity matter just as much as results. Liverpool’s board ultimately decided that the trajectory was heading in the wrong direction.
Now the post-Klopp era enters another chapter — and if Iraola is indeed the next man through the door at Anfield, Liverpool will be betting that a return to intensity and front-foot football can bring the club back to the level its supporters demand.
Published by Patrick Jane
31.05.2026