Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday that manager Arne Slot has left the club after two seasons. His departure comes despite winning the Premier League title in his debut campaign.
Slot guided the Reds to their 20th league crown in the 2024/25 season. He joined an elite group of managers who've won England's top division in their first year.
José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte had achieved this feat before him. Only Slot managed it at Liverpool under the current ownership structure.
But success in year one didn't last. Liverpool's 2025/26 campaign proved to be a dramatic collapse.
The 47-year-old's side finished fifth in the Premier League table. They accumulated just 60 points, their worst return since 2015/16.
Arsenal won the league with 85 points. Liverpool trailed by a massive 25 points behind the champions.
Despite the poor showing, Liverpool did secure Champions League qualification for next season. Club officials nonetheless decided a managerial change was necessary.
Andoni Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss, is now the leading candidate to take over. Sources say Liverpool have already held talks with the Spanish manager about the vacancy.
Iraola recently left Bournemouth after establishing the club as a stable Premier League side. He's known for his tactical discipline and organizational approach to football.
Liverpool's ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, released a statement praising Slot's work. They acknowledged the decision wasn't made lightly but was necessary for the club's future.
"His contribution has been significant, meaningful and successful," the ownership statement noted. "Our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater."
They highlighted Slot's work ethic and leadership qualities throughout his tenure. Officials stressed that he embraced responsibility rather than simply accepting it.
Slot departs having delivered one Premier League title and secured Liverpool's 20th English league championship overall. His legacy, however, will be defined by both triumph and disappointment.
Anfield's hierarchy plan to move swiftly on appointing a replacement. Preparations for the 2026/27 season are already underway.
