Former Liverpool captain Paul Ince has criticised his old club over their handling of the sacking of head coach Arne Slot, describing the treatment as "poor" and "not the Liverpool way." Slot was dismissed in May after a disappointing defence of the Premier League title, having taken over from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman had been planning for the new campaign before being removed by owners Fenway Sports Group.
Ince Blames Iraola Connection for Slot's Dismissal
Ince suggested that the availability of Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of last season, prompted Liverpool's hierarchy to act quickly. "I do feel for Slot," Ince told BestBettingSites. "I thought the way the board handled it was poor. I didn't like it; it's not the Liverpool way." He added that Slot had reason to believe he would stay: "Once the season finished, you kind of think as a manager 'right, I'm still here, let's start looking forward and building for next year'. Then the next minute, he's gone."
Ince noted the connection between Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and Iraola from their time at Bournemouth, saying, "There was an immediate connection there, and then they sacked Slot. I just don't think that was the right way to treat a manager."
Major Problems at Anfield
Ince highlighted several issues at Liverpool last season, including public friction between Slot and star forward Mohamed Salah. "The Mohamed Salah stuff with Arne Slot wasn't great for the club," Ince said. "It's very rare that you see that kind of friction come out publicly from Liverpool Football Club; you usually see that stuff come out of other clubs." He also pointed to fan discontent: "You very rarely hear Liverpool fans boo. Never – that's not the Liverpool way. When the fans start doing that, you kind of think 'right, something is not right here, there's a deep issue'."
Ince believes a "massive revamp" is needed and does not expect Liverpool to challenge for the title this season. "I certainly don't expect them to win the title this year, that's for sure, but it will be interesting to see what acquisitions Iraola brings in to make them better, because they need a much better season," he concluded.
