Liverpool sack Arne Slot and turn to Iraola as leading candidate to replace him

Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slot after just one season as title holders, ending his tenure at Anfield following a Premier League campaign that saw the club fall 24 points short of their title-winning form from the previous year. The club confirmed the decision on the day of the Champions League final, acknowledging it as “extremely difficult” given Slot’s role in delivering the title just 12 months ago.

In a club statement, Liverpool said: “That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful. As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater.”

Despite the turbulence, Slot did secure Champions League football for his successor by guiding Liverpool into the top five during a testing end to the season — a parting legacy that will shape the next appointment.

Andoni Iraola has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take the job, with some betting firms already suspending markets on his appointment. The Bournemouth head coach guided his side to a sixth-place finish and Europa League qualification, capping an 18-game unbeaten run to close the season. His tactical versatility and ability to adapt following key departures last summer have drawn widespread admiration, and Liverpool would represent a significant step up for the Spanish coach.

Sebastian Hoeness is another name attracting serious attention. The Stuttgart manager secured Champions League qualification with a fourth-place Bundesliga finish and has quickly established himself as one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe. His possession-based philosophy, combined with a high-pressing style, is likely to appeal to those at Anfield.

Julian Nagelsmann also features among the contenders, though his current commitment to Germany’s World Cup campaign complicates any potential move in the near term.

One name notably absent from the running is Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool midfielder, who was sacked by Real Madrid in January, had been considered a natural fit for Anfield but opted to join Chelsea before Liverpool’s decision on Slot was finalised.