THIS IS ANDFIELD

LIVERPOOL have ruthlessly sacked Arne Slot after a woeful Premier League title defence.

And outgoing Bournemouth chief Andoni Iraola is set to become his successor, according to reports.

The Merseyside giants only sealed Champions League qualification with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day of the campaign.

And Slot, 47, has paid the price following an end of season review at Anfield.

The Dutchman guided Liverpool to a shock Premier League title last term, having replaced Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.

But a fifth place finish has resulted in influential figures deciding to head in a different direction.A club statement read: “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.

“We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.

“Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.

“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.

“We can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful.

“His Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

“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. 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.

“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.”

Slot has also released a classy short statement of his own following his dismissal.

The Dutchman said:

“It’s been an amazing ride together with Liverpool. I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season.”

Liverpool decided to wield the axe a matter of weeks after Mo Salah delivered a parting shot at Slot.

The Egyptian blasted Liverpool’s style of play in a stunning social media post.

Iraola, 43, is the favourite to take over at Liverpool after leaving Premier League rivals Bournemouth.

The Spaniard spearheaded the Cherries to European qualification for the first time in their history.

But Iraola had already been in advanced talks for the Bayer Leverkusen job.

Meanwhile, LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard pulled the curtain back on why it was the “right time” to sack Arne Slot.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard, 46, said: “The last ten games of last season, and for the majority of this season, we haven’t looked like Liverpool.

“It’s been difficult to watch… It looks disjointed and broken. When you analyse it properly, it’s probably the right time.”

The ex-Reds skipper revealed that it’s not surprising Anfield chiefs have already begun looking for a new manager as they are an “organised machine”.

He added:

“I think it’s the right time because it’s the end of the season and the new guy will get a pre-season and he’ll get a chance to recruit. I think it’s the best time to go in.”

The Liverpool legend added that Andoni Iraola has the potential to do well.

He said:

“I think he should be in the conversation. He’s done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.

“But let’s not beat around the bush, Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world so I don’t think he’ll be the only name on the table.”

The Champions League and Premier League winner pointed to Iraola’s relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes — who hired the Basque boss in 2023 at Bournemouth.

On the exit, Gerrard explained that he was not surprised by the decision to axe Slot despite the “incredible job” in his first year.

The TNT pundit said:

“I think taking the reins from the great Jurgen Klopp was a tough task and big shoes to fill. I think he done it seemlessly. It’s very difficult to win the Premier League and I know that more than most.

“I think he’ll go down in the history books and be remembered forever.”—Sun