Steven Gerrard has admitted he is 'gutted' for Arne Slot but says he is 'not surprised' by Liverpool's decision to sack the head coach. The Reds confirmed the news on Saturday, less than a week after the final day of the Premier League season, where Liverpool finished fifth, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Speaking as a pundit for TNT Sports in Budapest, Gerrard said: 'Not surprised. Gutted for Arne Slot because in his first year, he had done an incredible job. Taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and he had done it seamlessly.' However, he added: 'In the last 10 games of last season and the majority of this season, we have not looked like Liverpool. The style... it has been difficult to watch at times. It looks disjointed, broken.'
Gerrard believes the timing is right for a change, allowing a new manager to have a full pre-season and recruit players. He said: 'I think it is the right time because it is the end of the season. A new guy will get a pre-season, and he will get that chance to recruit players.'
Andoni Iraola, the departing Bournemouth manager, is the early frontrunner to succeed Slot. Gerrard backed him, saying: 'Potentially, yes. I think he has done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.' He added that Iraola should be 'in the conversation' but noted that other elite managers would also be interested in the role.
