Liverpool sacks striker after two seasons, turns to Iraola

Head coach Arne Slot has been dismissed by Liverpool after two seasons at the club.

The 47‑year‑old Dutchman led the Reds to their 20th league title in his first season, but the team struggled in his second year, finishing fifth in the Premier League.

Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to take over the role.

Liverpool have approached the Spaniard to discuss the position.

Although the club still qualified for next season’s Champions League, Liverpool finished with 60 points – the lowest total since the 2015‑16 campaign and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

“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’s owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) said in a statement.

“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.”

“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.”