Liverpool FC have announced the immediate departure of head coach Arne Slot, bringing an end to a two-year spell that included Premier League success and consecutive Champions League qualification campaigns.
The club confirmed on Saturday that work has already begun to identify and appoint a new manager following Slot’s exit.
Slot arrived at Anfield in June 2024 and made an immediate impact, steering Liverpool to their 20th English league title in his debut season. His achievements during the 2024-25 campaign earned him the LMA Manager of the Year award, while the Reds also progressed to the Carabao Cup final and the Champions League round of 16.
The Dutch coach followed up that title-winning season by securing another top-four finish in 2025-26, ensuring Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite competition. The club also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League during that campaign.
In a joint statement, Liverpool’s owners paid tribute to Slot’s contribution on and off the pitch, while explaining the reasoning behind the decision to part ways.
“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, 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. 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.
“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.
“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.
“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.
“Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.
“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”
While the club acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, the ownership group maintained that a fresh direction is required to sustain Liverpool’s long-term progress. Despite the separation, Slot departs having restored league glory to Anfield and cemented his place in the club’s recent history.
