Liverpool made the bold decision to sack Arne Slot over the weekend.
The Dutchman won the Premier League in his first season at Anfield, but after a significant dip last season, Slot has been sent packing.
Speaking to FC Update, former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam believes Liverpool have made a mistake by dismissing Arne Slot, arguing that outside pressure ultimately influenced a decision that was not justified.
Slot’s departure came as something of a shock, particularly given the confidence he appeared to have publicly about his future and reports emanating from the club that he would be backed into next season.
While criticism had grown in recent months, many still expected the Dutchman to remain in charge heading into next season.
Jaap Stam reacts to Arne Slot sacking
Stam shared his verdict on this situation.
The Dutch legend said he wasn’t surprised to see Slot sacked, but he also noted that he doesn’t agree with the decision.
In fact, the former AC Milan star claimed that Slot has done a fantastic job at Liverpool, claiming that the club have handled this poorly.
“Well, not surprised that it might happen. Because if you’ve been around the club over the last few months and heard everything that’s been going on and what’s been said, then you could see it happening.
“What is more surprising is that, from Arne’s own words, it sounded like he was staying. There had been discussions, and he seemed to have confidence and support from the owners and the board that he would continue for at least another year.
“Do I think it’s justified? No, I don’t. I think Arne did a fantastic job at Liverpool. The problem is that a club is run by people, and people at the top are always sensitive to outside opinions. When the pressure keeps building, when more and more people start talking, and when supporters increasingly turn against the manager, owners and board members can become very sensitive to that and start going along with it.
“They don’t want everyone against them, so they start thinking, ‘Maybe we have to make this decision after all.’
“So it’s a shame that he’s leaving. And I think Liverpool have handled it badly by acting in that way.”
Liverpool move onto Andoni Iraola
Whether you agree with the decision or not, there’s no going back now, Arne Slot has left Liverpool.
So, who’s next?
It would appear that Andoni Iraola is set to join Liverpool, and that could be a very interesting appointment to say the least.
Liverpool have hired from within the Premier League before with both Roy Hodgson and Brendan Rodgers, and they will be hoping that Iraola fares better than those two.
Richard Hughes already has a good relationship with Iraola from his time at Bournemouth, while Iraola has also worked with Milos Kerkez at the Vitality Stadium too, so there will be some familiar faces at Anfield awaiting the Spaniard.
