Paul Ince tears into Reds over Arne Slot treatment — 'Not the Liverpool way'

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Former Liverpool captain Paul Ince has criticiszed the club's handling of Arne Slot's firing, suggesting the availability of Andoni Iraola was a key factor in the Dutchman's dismissal13:12, 01 Jul 2026Updated 13:17, 01 Jul 2026Paul Ince has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool captain Paul Ince has criticized his old club over the way it treated Arne Slot.Slot was relieved of his duties as head coach in May following a lackluster defense of the Premier League title secured so convincingly during his debut season at the helm, having accepted the challenging role of succeeding Anfield icon Jurgen Klopp in the hot seat.The Dutchman had anticipated remaining in post and was preparing for the new campaign before being dismissed by Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, amid pressure from some supporters. And Ince reckons the emergence of Andoni Iraola following the Spaniard's departure from Bournemouth prompted the Anfield board to rapidly dispense with Slot's services."I do feel for Slot," he said.

I didn't like it; it's not the Liverpool way."Obviously, people were clamoring for him to get sacked (fired) before the end of the season. But once the season finished, you kind of think as a manager, 'Right, I'm still here, let's start looking forward and building for next year.' Then the next minute, he's gone."Richard Hughes worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, so there was an immediate connection there, and then they sacked Slot.

I just don't think that was the right way to treat a manager."Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was fired in May(Image: Getty Images)Ince acknowledges that Liverpool faces significant challenges that require attention under Iraola and anticipates they will be addressed during the current transfer window."When you manage Liverpool, the fans always have an expectation, just like when you're at Manchester United," he said, speaking to BestBettingSites."I looked at Liverpool last season, and I just thought it wasn't right. Never — that's not the Liverpool way."When the fans start doing that, you kind of think, 'Right, something is not right here, there's a deep issue.'"There is a massive revamp to do at Liverpool.