Arne Slot expressed his gratitude for the "amazing ride" he had during his time with Liverpool after he was sacked by the club on Saturday. 

Slot, who won the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp, was relieved of his duties after a difficult second campaign on Merseyside. 

The Reds finished fifth in the top-flight and secured a spot in next year's Champions League, but their title defence saw them finish 25 points behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. 

Liverpool lost 19 games across all competitions in 2025-26. Since they were last promoted to the top-flight in 1962, only in 1992-93 (20) had they suffered more defeats in a campaign (also 19 in 2004-05 and 2009-10).  

Their points tally fell from 84 in 2024-25 to 60 in 2025-26, marking the biggest drop in points difference by an ever-present Premier League side across those two campaigns. 

Slot oversaw 113 matches in all competitions, winning 66 of those (D18 L29), averaging 1.91 points per game with a win percentage of 58.4%. 

"It's been an amazing ride together with Liverpool. I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season," Slot said in a brief statement. 

Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to replace Slot on Merseyside, according to reports, after the Spaniard led Bournemouth to the Europa League in 2025-26. 

"That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying," a joint statement from Liverpool's ownership read. 

"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.

"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.

"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."