Liverpool have officially announced that Arne Slot has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The Dutchman, who had been facing increasing pressure following an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign, leaves the club as speculation mounts that Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to take charge at Anfield.

Slot’s departure from Liverpool marks the end of a turbulent season for the Merseyside club. Despite managing to secure Champions League qualification by finishing fifth in the Premier League, the Reds failed to live up to expectations after their title-winning campaign the previous year.

Slot, who famously guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, endured a difficult second year. His side exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and suffered a heavy 4-0 loss in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

In an official statement, the club said: “Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to leave his position as head coach with immediate effect, and the process to appoint his successor is already underway. He departs with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.”

In a separate message, Liverpool’s ownership group explained that a “change is necessary” as the team looks to rebuild ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. “This decision was not made lightly,” the statement read. “Arne’s contribution to Liverpool FC has been significant, meaningful and, above all, successful. Our gratitude for what he has achieved cannot be overstated. His professionalism, work ethic and leadership have all been exemplary.”

The statement continued: “From the very beginning, Arne demonstrated that he not only accepts responsibility but embraces it. He proved this when he guided us to the Premier League title and again this past season when facing considerable challenges. However, we have reached the conclusion that a change in direction is necessary for the club to continue progressing.”

“We would like to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in Liverpool’s history as the manager who delivered the club’s 20th league title. That achievement, made even more remarkable as it came in his first season, was built on exceptional coaching and leadership. He also helped guide the team through one of its most difficult moments following the loss of Diogo, showing great compassion and humanity.”

“We wish Arne all the best for the future, confident he will find continued success. His legacy at Liverpool is secure and will only grow stronger over time. Nevertheless, we believe the team’s current trajectory needs a new direction. This decision is not a reflection of Arne’s abilities but rather of the need for a fresh approach. Arne leaves with our gratitude, a Premier League title, and the assurance that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”

Despite heavy investment in the summer transfer window, Liverpool failed to maintain their momentum. The club spent around £446 million – a record amount for a Premier League side in a single window – on players such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. However, injuries and inconsistent performances meant that few of these signings lived up to expectations.

One of the few bright spots of the season was Hugo Ekitike, who scored 17 goals across all competitions before suffering a devastating ACL injury in April that ruled him out for the remainder of the season and dashed his World Cup ambitions. Meanwhile, reports of dressing room unrest and tensions between Slot and Mohamed Salah added to the turmoil, with the Egyptian — who is set to leave this summer — calling for Liverpool to return to the “heavy metal” football that defined Jurgen Klopp’s successful era.

Attention now turns to who will take over at Anfield. Former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is widely regarded as the leading candidate. The Spaniard has earned plaudits for guiding Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish this season, improving on their ninth-place result from 2024-25. According to reports, Liverpool may also consider other potential candidates such as Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoenes and Lens boss Pierre Sage, though Iraola remains the strong favourite to land the job.