Arne Slot fired as Liverpool coach after fifth-place finish

Arne Slot has been sacked as Liverpool head coach just one year after winning the Premier League title. The Dutchman guided Liverpool to the title in his debut season but was dismissed on Saturday following a fifth-place league finish. Liverpool finished 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Slot released an emotional farewell statement after his dismissal. He described his departure as leaving the club "exactly where it belongs: among Europe's elite." The 47-year-old had led Liverpool to their 20th league title in the 2023-24 season.

Liverpool will proceed with formal negotiations this week to appoint former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. The club confirmed talks were underway following Slot's exit.

The Reds' fifth-place finish ended their hopes of securing Champions League football next season. Arsenal secured the Premier League title with a record 90-point haul.

Slot's departure marks the second managerial change at Liverpool in 12 months. The club replaced Jürgen Klopp with Slot in June 2023. Liverpool have now entered a new search for a permanent successor.