Liverpool is expected to part ways with several members of Arne Slot’s coaching staff this summer, even though the head coach was the main headline when he was fired on Saturday.
That is, of course, standard when a change is made at the top. There had been speculation that Etienne Reijnen who Liverpool tried to bring in when Slot arrived, only to encounter work permit issues would be coming in this summer. That plan will be shelved with the former Feyenoord boss no longer at the helm.
It is understood that the process of finding a successor to Slot has already begun, with talks set to be held with potential candidates in the coming days. Andoni Iraola has emerged as a leading option.
Dutch duo told they’re out
In the Netherlands, Voetbal International reports that Slot’s assistants Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have already been informed that they will be relieved of their duties.
Fitness coach Ruben Peeters is another who could move on. Whoever comes in to replace Slot will want to bring their own coaching staff.
Club statement: ‘Slot’s legacy intact’
A club statement on Saturday read: “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.
“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.”
Why the change?
The statement continued: “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.”
The bottom line
Slot is out. His staff are following him out the door. Iraola is the frontrunner.
Liverpool won the league under Slot. Then it all fell apart. Now they’re hitting reset again.
The coaching staff is being broken up. The search for a successor is underway. And Anfield prepares for yet another new era.
