Arne Slot, Dutch manager of Liverpool FC, fired after disappointing second season

Liverpool FC has dismissed Dutch head coach Arne Slot following a disappointing season, ending his tenure after internal talks between the club and the manager concluded with what Liverpool called a “difficult decision.” The club confirmed his departure is effective immediately and said the process to appoint a successor is already underway.

In a statement, Liverpool said, "We appreciate everything Slot achieved enormously, especially because it was supported by a work ethic, dedication, and expertise, which reinforces our view that he is a leader in his field. At the same time, we have jointly come to the conclusion that change is necessary to help the club move forward.”

Liverpool also confirmed that it is not yet known what the future holds for assistant coaches Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Slot said his goodbyes to supporters in Liverpool in comments relayed through transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, stating, "It was a great journey. I am so grateful that we became champions last year.”

The club also issued a public statement on X, confirming, "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.”

The decision comes only weeks after Slot publicly indicated he expected to remain in charge. At that time, he said, "I have every reason to believe that I will be the manager of Liverpool next season. First of all, I have a contract, and secondly, because of all the conversations we have had internally.”

Slot was appointed in 2024 as the successor to Jürgen Klopp and initially made a strong impression in England. He guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season and earned praise not only for results but also for his media presence.

His second season proved significantly more difficult. Ahead of the campaign, a car accident killed Liverpool player Diogo Jota. On the pitch, results declined sharply as Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, still securing Champions League qualification but falling short of expectations.