Liverpool have parted ways with manager Arne Slot, the Merseyside club announced, after the Dutchman who won the Premier League title in his debut season failed to live up to expectations as they finished fifth.

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024 and impressed in his first season, leading Liverpool to the league title. However, his second season saw a dramatic downturn, with the defending champions scrambling for Champions League qualification and failing to win any domestic cup.

"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," Liverpool said in a statement on Saturday. "From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens. At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but."

Liverpool said the process to appoint a successor is underway, with media reports linking Andoni Iraola to the role after the Spaniard guided Bournemouth to sixth place and Europa League qualification for the first time.

Source: www.aljazeera.com