Steven Gerrard reacts to Liverpool sacking Arne Slot and names ideal replacement

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard (Picture: TNT Sports)

Steven Gerrard has backed Liverpool ’s decision to sack Arne Slot , insisting the team looked ‘broken’ under the title-winning manager.

Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield after replacing club legend Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Liverpool then spent almost £500m last summer to bolster Slot’s squad with a host of high-profile signings, but the heavy investment did not result in success this season.

The Reds not only failed to retain the Premier League title but finished just fifth – 25 points behind new champions Arsenal and failed to win any silverware.

Reacting to Slot’s departure, Liverpool legend Gerrard said on TNT Sports : ‘I’m not surprised but I’m gutted for Arne Slot.

‘He did an incredible job in his first year at the club and will go down in the history books as a Premier League winner. He has big shoes to fill and he did it seamlessly.

‘It’s very difficult to win the Premier League, I know that more than anyone, so that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Ex-Liverpool manager Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)

‘Having said that the last 10 games of last season and for the majority of this season they haven’t looked like Liverpool, they’ve been difficult t watch, disjointed, broken.

‘When I got the news, my initial reaction was surprise and shock but when you analyse it it’s probably the right time in my opinion.’

Gerrard, who is arguably the greatest player in Liverpool’s history, believes the club will already have a shortlist of candidates to replace Slot.

‘We’ve all been around the game long enough to know how it works,’ he added. ‘I would be very surprised if they don’t know.

‘Liverpool don’t work like that, they’re an organised machine up top. I would be extremely surprised if the people above don’t already know who they want.

‘I think it’s right time, the new guy gets pre-season and the chance to recruit new players. It’s the best time to go in as a new manager.’

Ex-Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola appears to be the frontrunner to replace Slot and Gerrard insists he would be a good choice as the next Anfield boss.

‘I think that has potential, yes,’ Gerrard said. ‘He’s done a fabulous job at Bournemouth and his style of play would suit Liverpool.

‘But let’s not beat around the bush – it’s an attractive job for elite managers around the world. He won’t be the only name on the table and there’s other names out there who will want that job.

‘But Liverpool’s links with Bournemouth means they will know him very well. I think he should be in the conversation, yes.’