Liverpool are not sacking Arne Slot. The reports point the other way, with the club still backing him for now, but also making moves for Andoni Iraola as a future option. That is a fairly clear sign of where the hierarchy is sitting after a season that ended with Liverpool fifth on 59 points from 37 games, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Why the Slot decision is not a dismissal
Graeme Bailey said TEAMtalk understands Slot and those around him have believed Liverpool intended to keep him into next season. He also reported that the internal stance at Anfield was that Slot would be given more time, provided Liverpool secured Champions League qualification.
The form around the run-in helps explain why the conversation has not disappeared. Liverpool's last five league results were D, L, D, L, W, and that included a 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw with Brentford. That is not the sort of finish that shuts down speculation, even if it does not amount to a dismissal.
Why Iraola is already in the frame
Iraola is not just being mentioned in Liverpool circles. The brief also says Bournemouth boss led the club into Europa League football before leaving after declining a new contract, and that AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen are among the other reported suitors.
Gianluca Di Marzio said: "AC Milan have made initial contact, and are waiting to see whether this negotiation will progress or whether there will be other names on the Rossoneri’s list to replace Massimiliano Allegri." Sky Sports News also reported that "AC Milan have approached Andoni Iraola’s representatives about becoming their head coach next season."
That makes the Liverpool links feel more like proper contingency planning than idle chatter. Slot is still in position, but Iraola is clearly on the board if the club decide next season needs a different direction.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
