Liverpool have opted to part ways with Arne Slot following the club's poor defence of their Premier League title.
The Dutchman guided the Reds to glory in 2025 but his team struggled last term, finishing fifth in the standings.
Liverpool had backed Slot in last summer's transfer window, bringing in big names such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
But their campaign ultimately fell flat, with the Reds ending the season without a single trophy to show for their efforts.
Liverpool have now confirmed the departure of Slot in a statement.
"Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way," they said.
"Having joined the club in June 2024, Arne went on to deliver our 20th league title in his first season in charge, ending the 2024-25 campaign as LMA Manager of the Year having also guided the team to the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.
"He subsequently oversaw Champions League qualification for a second successive season in 2025-26 as the Reds also reached the quarter-finals of the same competition.
Arne Slot and Liverpool are parting ways following the club's poor defence of their Premier League title
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Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
| PA"In a joint statement, Liverpool’s ownership underlined its appreciation for the success Arne brought to the club and also the leadership displayed in his two years in charge."
The board said: “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.
“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.
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Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot clashed at Liverpool last season
| REUTERS“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.
“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.
“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.
“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo [Jota] . The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
“As such, 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.
Arne Slot won the Premier League title with Liverpool in 2025
| PA"We do so in the knowledge that 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 initially struck gold when he replaced Klopp two years ago, having been chosen ahead of former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool were nothing short of sensational as they won the league at the first time of asking, ahead of rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, their campaign last term never really got going with the Reds seeing stability collapse as they missed out on every piece of major silverware.
Slot also angered Liverpool fans with his treatment of Mohamed Salah. The duo clashed throughout the season, with the Egypt international furious at being left on the bench for a series of matches. He was also booed by supporters during the final embers of the campaign.
Andoni Iraola, who recently left Bournemouth, is the frontrunner to take over.