Liverpool Sack Slot, Iraola in Line to Take Over

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
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Liverpool Sack Slot, Iraola in Line to Take Over

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)

Liverpool sacked manager Arne Slot on Saturday, saying the club were seeking a "change of direction", after a disastrous defense of their Premier League title.

The Reds finished fifth in the table, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite spending a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new players in one transfer window last year.

Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly set to take over at Anfield after leading the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club's history.

Just over a year ago Slot was heralded as a hero after taking on the daunting role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equaling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season in charge.

Yet fans turned on the Dutchman this season after a series of lackluster performances.

There was also sign of dressing room disharmony, most notably from Mohamed Salah on his way out of the club.

In an explosive social media post earlier this month, which was liked by multiple members of the Liverpool squad, Salah called for a return to "heavy metal football", referring to Klopp's high energy style of play, in a perceived dig at Slot's more cautious approach.

Liverpool's return of 60 points was their lowest since the 2015/16 season.

Despite their troubles, it had been reported that Slot would be handed a stay of execution after securing Champions League qualification.

- 'Different approach' -

However, the club's owners, the American-based Fenway Sports Group, have succumbed to fan pressure to axe the former Feyenoord boss.

"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," the club said in a statement.

"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."

Liverpool added that "the process to appoint a successor is under way".

Many fans were keen for the return of Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but the club's former midfielder will instead take charge of Chelsea next season.

Iraola's stock is high after an 18-game unbeaten league run to finish the campaign in sixth, just three points behind Liverpool despite vastly inferior resources.

The Spaniard also worked together with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously held a similar role at Bournemouth.

Slot ultimately paid for failing to get a return on Liverpool's huge investment last summer.

British transfer record signing Alexander Isak was beset by fitness problems, while Florian Wirtz struggled with the transition to the Premier League after a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Slot, though, also had to deal with emotional turmoil caused by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.



Al-Nassr Beats Al-Taawoun 2-1 in Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA
Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA
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Al-Nassr Beats Al-Taawoun 2-1 in Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA
Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings - SPA

Al-Nassr defeated Al-Taawoun 2-1 in a match held at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh as part of Matchweek 4 of the Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League), SPA reported.

Al-Taawoun opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Al-Nassr equalized in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Al-Nassr then scored the winning goal in the 50th minute.

With this victory, Al-Nassr reached 12 points to remain top of the standings, while Al-Taawoun remained on two points in 15th place.


Al-Hilal Defeats Al-Khaleej 5-1 in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA
Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA
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Al-Hilal Defeats Al-Khaleej 5-1 in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA
Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points - SPA

Al-Hilal defeated host Al-Khaleej 5-1 in a match held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam as part of Matchweek 4 of the 2026-2027 Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League).

Al-Hilal opened the scoring in the 15th minute before adding a second in the 29th minute and a third in the 40th minute, SPA reported.

Al Hilal extended its lead with a fourth goal in the 43rd minute and added a fifth in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
Al Khaleej, meanwhile, scored its only goal in the 38th minute.

With this result, Al-Hilal increased its tally to nine points, while Al-Khaleej remained on three points.


Al-Riyadh Defeats NEOM in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

The only goal of the match came in the 61st minute - SPA
The only goal of the match came in the 61st minute - SPA
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Al-Riyadh Defeats NEOM in Saudi Pro League Matchweek 4

The only goal of the match came in the 61st minute - SPA
The only goal of the match came in the 61st minute - SPA

Al-Riyadh defeated NEOM 1-0 in their match at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City in Riyadh, as part of Matchweek 4 of the Roshn Saudi League.

The only goal of the match came in the 61st minute, SPA reported.

With the win, Al-Riyadh raised its tally to four points, moving into 11th place, while NEOM remained on six points in seventh place.