Liverpool FC have announced the departure of head coach Arne Slot with immediate effect, bringing a surprise end to the Dutchman’s two-year tenure at Anfield despite delivering major domestic success and consistent Champions League qualification.
The Premier League giants confirmed the decision in an official statement on Saturday, revealing that the process of appointing a successor is already underway.
Slot joined Liverpool in June 2024 and enjoyed a dream start to life on Merseyside, guiding the club to its 20th English league title in his debut season. The achievement earned him the League Managers Association (LMA) Manager of the Year award and cemented his place in Liverpool history as the coach who restored the club to the summit of English football.
Under his leadership, Liverpool also reached the Carabao Cup final during the 2024-25 campaign and advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. In the recently concluded 2025-26 season, Slot secured Champions League qualification once again and steered the Reds to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition.
Despite those accomplishments, Liverpool’s ownership group said the club had reached the conclusion that a change in direction was necessary to maintain progress.
In a joint statement, the club’s owners acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and paid tribute to the Dutch coach’s achievements.
“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,” the statement read.
The ownership group praised Slot’s professionalism, leadership and commitment throughout his tenure, noting that he embraced responsibility from the moment he arrived at the club.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Liverpool also highlighted Slot’s role during one of the club’s most emotionally challenging periods following the death of forward Diogo Jota, commending the compassion and humanity he displayed while helping guide the team through the tragedy.
“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,” the statement said.
While expressing gratitude for Slot’s contribution, the club insisted the decision was based on long-term strategic considerations rather than dissatisfaction with his work.
“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward,” Liverpool’s owners said.
“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.”
The statement further emphasized that Slot’s achievements would remain an enduring part of Liverpool’s history.
“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.”
The club concluded by wishing the Dutchman success in the next phase of his managerial career while assuring him that he and his family would always be welcome at Anfield.
“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.”
