BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Liverpool fired manager Arne Slott on Saturday following a scandal. Second season of hardship He has also previously led the team to the Premier League title.
The club’s US owners, Fenway Sports Group, said they had made the “difficult” decision following Liverpool’s disappointing fifth place finish in defending their title.
“We have collectively come to the conclusion that changes are necessary for the club to continue moving forward,” the owners said in a statement. “Once again, I must stress that this is not a decision taken lightly.”
Slott will replace long-time popular manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, with the Dutchman leading Liverpool to a record-tying 20th English league title in his first year in charge.
Liverpool is An unprecedented $570 million They arrived last off-season to strengthen their squad, but most of their big-ticket signings have been disappointing, including Florian Wertz, Jeremy Frimpong and injury-hit striker Alexander Isak.
Clubs were also affected. Death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota Last summer.
A source familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the decision “doesn’t sit well with Liverpool” and “on a human level” it “doesn’t seem completely fair”.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club has already released an official statement.
The official said it was becoming increasingly inevitable that a coaching change would be necessary and that it was better to act quickly to avoid disruption to next season’s preparations.
The process of evaluating Slott’s replacement began with Liverpool seeking a more “aggressive and urgent” style of football going forward. Spanish manager Andoni Iraola, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, is the frontrunner to take over.
“It goes without saying that this was a difficult decision for us as a club,” a club statement said. “The contribution Arn has made to Liverpool FC during his time with us has been important, meaningful and above all a success for our supporters and for us.
“Therefore, our appreciation for all that he accomplished could not be greater, especially as he was underpinned by a level of work ethic, diligence and expertise that further underscores our view that he is a leader in his field.”
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