Slot fired as Liverpool manager a year after winning the Premier League title

In this file photo, Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench before the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London. (AP )

BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 30 (AP): Liverpool fired manager Arne Slot following a troubled second season in charge, having previously led the team to the Premier League title.

Fenway Sports Group, the club’s American ownership, said it made a "difficult” decision after Liverpool finished fifth in a disappointing title defense.

"We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary for the club to keep moving forward,” the ownership said in a statement. "Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.”

Slot replaced popular long-time manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, and the Dutchman led Liverpool to a record-tying 20th English league title in his first year at the helm.

Liverpool spent an unprecedented $570 million to strengthen the squad in last year’s offseason, but most of the expensive signings, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and injury-hit striker Alexander Isak, have underwhelmed.

The club was also affected by the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota last summer.

A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the decision did "not sit easily” with Liverpool and "on a human level” did not "feel entirely fair."

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club had already issued a public statement.

The person said it was increasingly inevitable that a change of coach was required, and it was better to act sooner to avoid disrupting preparations for next season.