Ruud Gullit has criticised Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slot, arguing that the club made a mistake by dismissing the manager only a year after he guided them to the Premier League title.
The Dutchman won the championship in his first season at Anfield in 2024/25, but was removed from his post after a difficult title defence. Liverpool’s decision has prompted questions over the direction of the club under Fenway Sports Group.
Gullit questions Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slot
Speaking to ComeOn, Gullit said Liverpool risked abandoning an approach traditionally associated with the club by making a managerial change so soon after winning the league.
“I think Liverpool have made a mistake getting rid of Arne Slot,” he said.
“A club like Liverpool cannot create this sacking culture, getting rid of a manager a year after he came in and won the Premier League. We see it at other clubs, but now at Liverpool, and it makes me question who is responsible for it.”
Gullit also rejected the idea that a major investment in new players should automatically deliver immediate success. “They signed all these good players, but that doesn’t mean that they can have instant success. It’s too difficult to work in that way,” he said.
The former Chelsea manager referred to his own time at Stamford Bridge, where he said the arrivals of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo and Frank Leboeuf were based on a clear understanding of the players he wanted.
“At Chelsea, we signed Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo, and Frank Leboeuf, but that was because I knew exactly what I wanted, and I knew the players that I needed to come in. They were my spine. But you need to be lucky as a manager, and I was,” Gullit said.
Why Liverpool parted company with Slot
Despite the Premier League triumph in Slot’s opening campaign, Liverpool’s second season brought a sharp decline. The team suffered 20 defeats in all competitions and finished fifth in the table.
Concerns were also raised about Slot’s tactical approach, his use of academy players and his relationship with senior members of the squad.
Mohamed Salah was reported to want Liverpool to return to a more aggressive style of football, described by the forward as “heavy metal football”. Those issues added to the pressure around Slot and contributed to the club’s decision to move in a different direction.
