Arne Slot 'in talks' with European giant minutes after Liverpool sacking

Arne Slot has reportedly already emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of a European giant following his Liverpool sacking.

Slot was relieved of his duties as Liverpool head coach after two seasons in charge on Saturday (May 30), with the club releasing a lengthy statement confirming the news.

Liverpool’s owners thanked Slot for his efforts as head coach and also recognised how he guided the club after the tragic death of Diogo Jota last summer.

The Dutchman leaves having guided the side to 66 wins, 18 draws and 29 losses from 113 matches in charge, with his crowning moment being the 2024/25 Premier League title triumph, which was the club’s second in 35 years.

But the joy of last season did not last long, as fans complained of Liverpool’s conservative and, at times, boring playing style, with several demanding a return to the “heavy metal football” style of Jürgen Klopp’s teams, with Mohamed Salah sharing this view.

Departing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is expected to succeed Slot at Anfield, having guided the Cherries to a sixth-place finish in 2026 and, in doing so, securing Europa League football for the first time in the club’s history.

Lens boss Pierre Sage, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß are also among the front-runners, despite Iraola being the overwhelming favourite.

When will Slot return to the dugout?

According to reports from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Dutchman could return to management sooner rather than later, with Slot now the leading candidate to take over as AC Milan boss following the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri. Tavolieri claims talks are already underway between the club and the manager.

Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League qualification for the second year running.

The Italian side lost seven of their last 13 games of the season.

Liverpool owners’ statement on Slot sacking

“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.

“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. 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.

“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.”