Steven Gerrard speaks out on Liverpool decision to sack Arne Slot

Steven Gerrard has had his say on Liverpool's decision to sack Arne Slot.

Slot was dismissed on Saturday after a dismal Premier League campaign, finishing fifth just one year after lifting the title.

Following a record-breaking summer transfer window, many expected Liverpool to dominate domestically and in Europe but Slot oversaw 20 defeats in all competitions leading to owners Fenway Sports Group opting to make a change after an end-of-season review.

Andoni Iraola is currently the frontrunner to takeover at Anfield with Fabrizio Romano reporting that no other managers will be considered and it's a matter of time before the ex-Bournemouth man is appointed.

Earlier in the season, club legend Gerrard offered his support to Liverpool amid speculation he could replace Slot in an interim role until the end of the season.

Addressing Slot's sacking on TNT Sports, Gerrard believes it was a difficult but correct decision to part ways with the Dutchman.

"Not surprised. I'm gutted for Arne Slot, because in his first year, he's done an incredible job," he said. "I think taking the reins from the great Jürgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and I think he's done it seamlessly.

"It's very difficult to win the Premier League, I know that more than most, so for him to deliver that in year one, that can't be forgotten. So I think he'll go down in the history books and be remembered forever. Having said that, Laura, the last 10 games of last season, and for the majority of this season, we haven't looked like Liverpool.

"The style, it's been difficult to watch at times. It looks disjointed, it looks broken, and when I got the news today, of course, your initial reaction is surprise and shock, but when you analyse it properly, it's probably the right time, in my opinion."

On the potential appointment of Iraola, Gerrard added: "Well, look, I think we've all been around the game long enough to know how the process works, and I'd be very surprised if they made that decision and all of a sudden thought, well, who are we going to appoint next?

"Liverpool don't work like that. Liverpool are an organised machine, up top, they have been for a long time. I think it's the right time because at the end of the season, the new guy will get a pre-season, he'll get that chance to recruit new players.

"As a manager going in, it's the best time to go in, to reset everyone and get everyone moving forward in the new direction. But I'd be extremely surprised if the people above Arne Slot, who make the big decisions at Liverpool, have all of a sudden started from three or four hours ago looking for a new successor.

"I think he's done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool, but let's not beat around the bush. Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world, so I don't think he'll be the only name on the table.

"But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well. But then, you know, there's other names out there as well that I'm sure would want that Liverpool job. It's a huge job in world football.

"But potentially, to answer your question, I think he should be in the conversation, yes."