Liverpool dismissed manager Arne Slot on Saturday, indicating that the club was in search of a "change of direction" following a poor defense of their Premier League title.

The Reds concluded the season in fifth place, trailing champions Arsenal by 25 points, despite investing a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new signings in a single transfer window last year.

Outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate after guiding the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club's history.

Just over a year ago, Slot was celebrated as a hero for taking on the challenging task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his inaugural season.

However, fans turned against the Dutchman this season ...