Liverpool Parts Ways With Arne Slot After Second Season, Eyes More Aggressive Style

Liverpool fired manager Arne Slot on Saturday at the end of his second season in charge. Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024 and led Liverpool to a record-tying 20th English league title in his first season. Liverpool spent $570 million to strengthen the squad for his second season, signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak.

Those players underwhelmed and the team finished fifth while ending the season trophy-less. The club was also affected by the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota last summer. A person familiar with the decision spoke on condition of anonymity because the club had already issued a public statement.

Liverpool began the process to assess Slot’s replacement and is seeking a manager who will play a more “aggressive and urgent” style of soccer. Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, is the frontrunner to replace Slot. Slot, 47, had a three-year contract.

Liverpool fans booed the team during its slump in form, and there was a public fallout between Slot and Mohamed Salah. Slot was adamant there would be an improvement in the third year of his contract, but Liverpool’s hierarchy was unconvinced. Liverpool joins Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in making a coaching change ahead of next season.

The team secured Champions League qualification despite finishing fifth.