Liverpool cult hero struggles for words after 'shock' Arne Slot firing

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Liverpool cult hero Joe Allen has reacted in disbelief and struggles for words after Arne Slot is sacked as FSG begin planning for a new head coach appointmentArne Slot has been fired by Liverpool(Image: Getty)Liverpool cult hero Joe Allen has been left struggling for words after the shock dismissal of Arne Slot, reacting with visible disbelief to the Dutchman’s sudden exit.Slot signed a three-year contract in the summer of 2024 and went on to deliver immediate success, guiding Liverpool to its 20th league title and sealing the championship with a month to spare as the Reds finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.However, his second season brought increased pressure amid a run of inconsistent results and underwhelming performances. Despite the downturn, Liverpool still secured Champions League qualification and are expected to be active in the summer transfer window.Allen spoke to WalesOnline at the Swansea.com Stadium on Friday ahead of the Joseph’s Smile Wales v Europe charity match, where he was asked for his reaction with the former Reds midfielder surprised he was being asked about the Dutchman."My initial reaction is, I wasn't expecting to get asked about that," said Allen.

I don't know what to say really, [its] a bit of a shock."Allen joined Liverpool from Swansea in the summer of 2012 and went on to make 132 appearances, scoring seven goals during his four-year spell at Anfield.Content cannot be displayed without consentSlot was unable to establish a consistent winning formula with the squad at his disposal, and despite a number of significant challenges — including an injury-hit campaign and the tragic death of Diogo Jota — the club has concluded that the best course of action is to move on without the 47-year-old."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."Liverpool’s ownership also expressed its appreciation for Slot and the success he delivered during his two-year spell in charge, with the Dutchman departing after achieving a 58.4 percent win rate from 113 matches at the helm."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."