Arne Slot fired as Liverpool manager a year after winning Premier League title

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Liverpool fired manager Arne Slot on Saturday at the end of his second season in charge, and a year after leading the team to the Premier League title.

Fenway Sports Group, the club’s American ownership, said it made a “difficult” decision after Liverpool finished fifth in a disappointing title defense.

“We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward,” the ownership said in a statement. “Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.”

The Dutchman Slot replaced popular long-time manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024 and led Liverpool to a record-tying 20th English league title.

Liverpool spent an unprecedented $570 million to strength the squad in last year’s offseason but most of the expensive signings, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and injury-hit striker Alexander Isak, have underwhelmed.

The club also was affected by the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota last summer.

“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 club statement said.

“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.”

Liverpool said the “process to appoint a successor is under way.”

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Steve Douglas And James Robson, The Associated Press