Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his surprise regarding the recent dismissal of manager Arne Slot. The club opted to part ways with the manager who led them to a Premier League title just last year. Despite indications that the club might retain the Dutchman following a disappointing season, a decision was made on Saturday to seek a new head coach.
Gerrard’s Stance on Slot’s Departure
Arne Slot was appointed to succeed Jurgen Klopp and was seen to have transitioned into the role smoothly, securing Liverpool’s 20th league championship in his inaugural year. However, this season proved more challenging, with the team narrowly securing a Champions League qualification spot.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard, who has a lifelong association with Liverpool, stated, “I’m gutted for Arne Slot because in his first year, he had done an incredible job.” He elaborated on the difficulty of the task, saying, “Taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and he had done it seamlessly.”
Gerrard emphasized the significance of Slot’s achievement: “It’s very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most, so for him to deliver that in year one cannot be forgotten, so I think he will go down in the history books and be remembered forever.”
However, Gerrard also offered a critical perspective on the team’s performance: “Having said that, in the last ten games of last season and the majority of this season, we have not looked like Liverpool. The style, it has been difficult to watch at times. It looks disjointed, broken. When I got the news, of course, your initial reaction is surprise and shock, but when you analyse it properly, it’s probably the right time in my opinion.”
Potential Successor and Gerrard’s Future
Andoni Iraola is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Slot. Iraola recently departed from Bournemouth after guiding them to a Europa League position. It is understood that Iraola had anticipated a potential approach from Liverpool should they decide to move on from Slot, and discussions are expected to commence shortly.
Gerrard commented on the managerial selection process: “I think we’ve all been around the game long enough to know how the process works. I would 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.”
Regarding Iraola, Gerrard added, “I think he has done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool. 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 will be the only name on the table.” He noted the connection between Bournemouth and Liverpool’s leadership, suggesting Iraola would be well-known to them, but acknowledged other elite candidates would also be interested.
Gerrard on a Return to Management
Gerrard, who was once considered a potential future manager of Liverpool, has recently been active as a pundit following his managerial stints with Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the possibility of returning to management, Gerrard stated, “Who knows? You never shut a door. I’m enjoying work-life balance. Coaching it, tough, it’s challenging, I’ve had some real big opportunities, I’ve enjoyed a lot of it. But, at the moment, I’m enjoying family time, TNT, travel, and I’m really happy at the moment. I’m getting lots of times with my kids, which I’ve missed while I’ve been coaching. So, at the moment, maybe.”
