LIVERPOOL sacked head coach Arne Slot on Saturday after a disappointing defence of their Premier League title.

Fans turned on the Dutchman after a number of poor performances – the team lost 19 times this season – and there was some disharmony in the dressing room, with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken.

Bournemouth’s departing manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly the frontrunner to succeed Slot at Anfield.

Sources insist the decision to move on from Slot was taken with “enormous reluctance,” admitting it does not feel entirely fair to dispense with a coach who won only the club’s second league title in 35 years.

However, it is understood the decision has been taken based on what they believe is the best chance of moving forward and the club’s hierarchy feel the team needs to evolve again towards a more aggressive, front-foot, urgent style of football.

That reflects comments made by Salah in a social media post earlier this month when he called for a return to the “heavy metal football” played under predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool insist the desire for a change of style should not be viewed as a criticism of Slot.

“Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way,” said a statement.

“He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.”

Part of Liverpool’s rationale for making the change is that the Premier League has changed and they need to find a different solution to the challenges now being posed and delaying a decision would impact on next season’s preparations.

Liverpool, who stumbled to fifth place to secure Champions League football after taking just two points from their last four matches, will now spend the next few days refining a shortlist of suitable candidates and while they want to make a swift appointment they are intent on finding the right coach to implement their preferred style.