Liverpool Part Ways With Arne Slot As Gerrard Reacts Gutted Yet Understanding

Steven Gerrard believed Liverpool were justified in dismissing Arne Slot and felt the timing made sense, yet Gerrard also admitted feeling disappointed for Slot, who had been sacked on Saturday after just two seasons in charge at Anfield.

Liverpool’s decision followed a difficult 2025-26 campaign in which Slot’s side finished fifth in the Premier League, reached the Champions League only on the final day, and suffered 19 defeats in all competitions, despite major signings such as Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

Those 19 losses matched Liverpool’s worst tallies of 2004-05 and 2009-10 and were only one short of the 20 defeats recorded in 1992-93, the club’s worst season for losses since their promotion to the top flight in 1962, underlining the scale of the decline under Slot.

The slump came just one year after Slot had secured the 2024-25 Premier League title, becoming only the fifth manager to win the league in a debut season in the competition, and building expectations that Liverpool would push strongly for further domestic and European trophies.

Reflecting on Slot’s work, Gerrard said: "Not surprised. Gutted for Arne Slot because, in his first year, he had done an incredible job," and added: "Taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and he had done it seamlessly."

Gerrard also stressed Slot’s achievement in that first season, saying: "It's very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most, so for him to deliver that in year one cannot be forgotten, so I think he will go down in the history books and be remembered forever."

Slot’s dismissal left Liverpool reflecting on a season of disappointing results after a title win, balancing respect for Slot’s achievement with concern over the recent performances, while the club hierarchy assessed candidates such as Iraola for one of the most demanding roles in European football.