Gerrard 'gutted' over Slot sacking but says Liverpool looked 'disjointed and broken'

Steven Gerrard has described himself as ‘gutted’ by Arne Slot’s dismissal as Liverpool head coach, while conceding that the club had looked ‘disjointed and broken’ for much of the Dutchman’s second season at Anfield. Liverpool confirmed Slot’s departure on Saturday, six days after the club finished fifth in the Premier League — enough to secure Champions League football next season but insufficient to save his job amid mounting criticism of the team’s performances.

Speaking during the build-up to the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, Gerrard said the sacking carried an element of surprise but was ultimately understandable. “Not surprised, gutted for Arne Slot,” the former captain said. “He did an incredible job, taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp — it was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and I think he did it seamlessly.”

Gerrard was careful to credit Slot’s first season, in which Liverpool won the Premier League title, before turning to the decline that followed. “It’s very difficult to win the Premier League, I know that more than most, that can’t be forgotten. He’ll be remembered forever. Having said that, the last 10 games of last season and the majority of this season, we haven’t looked like Liverpool. It’s been difficult to watch at times. It looked disjointed and broken.”

The 44-year-old also pushed back against any suggestion that Liverpool’s hierarchy had been caught unprepared. “I’ll be extremely surprised if the people above Arne Slot have started, three or four hours ago, looking for a new successor,” he said. “Liverpool don’t work like that, they are an organised machine.”

Andoni Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to next season’s Europa League before announcing his intention to leave the south coast club, has emerged as the early frontrunner for the Anfield role. Gerrard endorsed the Basque coach as a credible fit. “He’s done a fabulous job at Bournemouth, his style would suit Liverpool,” he said. “Because of the link to Bournemouth, they will know him very well. It’s a huge job in world football — potentially, I think he should be in the conversation.”

Liverpool have not confirmed a timeline for appointing Slot’s successor, though Gerrard expressed confidence that the club’s structure means a process was already underway before Saturday’s announcement.