FSG explains decision to fire Arne Slot as Liverpool issues statement

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool has made the decision to part ways with Arne Slot following an end-of-season review, with the club's hierarchy stating that it felt a ' change of direction' was neededArne Slot has been fired by Liverpool(Image: Getty)Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) said "the need for a different approach" was the reasoning behind Arne Slot's sacking after the Dutchman was relieved of his duties on Saturday.The Reds hierarchy has come to the conclusion that moving forward without Slot is the best way forward for the team ahead of the 2026-27 season, following on from a challenging year for the club.Despite Slot being sacked just over 12 months on from winning Liverpool's first Premier League title in five years in what was his first campaign at the helm, the Reds mightily underperformed in 2025-26.While Champions League football was confirmed for another year with a fifth-placed finish, there was no silverware to match, despite the record amount of money spent during the summer transfer window.Liverpool led the Premier League with a total spend of £442 million ($594.8 million), bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.Slot, however, failed to find a consistent winning formula with the players at his disposal, and despite several notable drawbacks, including several injuries and, most notably, the death of Diogo Jota, the club believes it best to move on without the 47-year-old.Content cannot be displayed without consentFSG, however, has made clear that the decision was made in the best interest of the team, and is not a "reflection" of Slot's true talents."The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team's trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction," a club statement read."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."The Liverpool ownership also underlined its appreciation for Slot and the success he brought to the club during his two years in charge, which sees him end with a 58.4 percent winning percentage from 113 games.Slot poses alongside Tom Werner, Chairman of Liverpool, John Henry, Principle Owner of Liverpool, and other FSG members at last year's title celebrations"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," the statement read."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."From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it.

This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens."At the same time, 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."