Liverpool have sacked head coach Arne Slot after a troubled Premier League title defence, with Andoni Iraola lined up as his replacement. The decision was made with 'great reluctance' following a review of a season overshadowed by the death of Diogo Jota and featuring 19 defeats in all competitions.
Slot, who led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title in his first season, had expected to remain after securing Champions League qualification on the final day. However, the club's hierarchy believes the team's playing style needs to evolve to a more aggressive, front-foot approach, increasing the likelihood of Iraola's appointment.
Iraola, appointed Bournemouth's head coach by Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes, is considered the clear frontrunner. Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and Lens' Pierre Sage are also of interest. Iraola would want to bring his Bournemouth assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, but Bournemouth want them to form part of incoming head coach Marco Rose's staff.
In a statement, Liverpool's owners paid tribute to Slot's handling of Jota's death and his achievements, but said change is necessary for the club to keep moving forward. Slot responded: 'It's been an amazing ride together with Liverpool, I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season.'
Liverpool want to install a replacement quickly, with Iraola available after leaving Bournemouth. The 43-year-old also has interest from Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace.
