Arne Slot Fired as Liverpool Manager, Andoni Iraola 'Clear Favorite' As Replacement

Liverpool has split with its manager, and the club might have a replacement in mind.

Liverpool has moved on from Arne Slot, effective immediately. According to the BBC, Andoni Iraola is the favorite to take over after his time at Bournemouth.

Liverpool's ownership released a statement regarding Slot's departure, thanking the head coach for his service.

"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. "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."

Slot was hired as Jürgen Klopp's successor in 2024, and it appeared to be a good fit as he led the club to a Premier League title in his first season at the helm. That success proved to be temporary, though, as Liverpool finished with 19 losses total and 12 in league play in 2025-26, finishing fifth in the Premier League.

"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," Liverpool's statement read. "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."

Iraola, 43, has coached Bournemouth since 2023, but announced last month that he would be leaving the club following the conclusion of the season. Iraola led the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, just three points off of Liverpool.