“Liverpool accused of abandoning tradition by sacking Arne Slot.”

Liverpool has plunged into a controversy that threatens the very DNA of the club. The decision to dismiss Arne Slot after just two seasons at the helm is being seen as a departure from a century-old tradition and a clear indication that the Reds have become a true “hire-and-fire club.” The abrupt fall of the Dutch coach, who led the team to a surprising Premier League title, has shocked fans and critics alike, leaving an uncomfortable question hanging in the air: where is the respect for the club’s history and values?

Arne Slot, 47, was removed on Saturday following a disastrous season at Anfield, where Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions and favorites to retain the title, managed to secure only a mediocre fifth place, just enough for qualification for the Champions League. This negative turnaround cost him his job, in a decision that many consider hasty and unfair, especially given the adversities faced, such as the serious injuries to summer signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, and the emotional impact of Diogo Jota’s death.

Marcel van der Kraan, a journalist for the daily De Telegraaf, did not hold back in his criticism of the club, labeling it a “hire-and-fire club” that has sidelined its tradition and culture. In his analysis, the Dutchman highlights the irony of a club that boasts about its historical values having so quickly rejected the coach who brought them the title, stating: “In the second year, without trophies, you are no longer good enough for the fans, you face heavy criticism, the pressure explodes on social media, and the club lacks the courage to continue.” Van der Kraan also points out that, in the previous nine years, Klopp had only won the Premier League once, while Slot achieved this feat in his very first season.

The criticism does not stop with Liverpool’s decisions. The Dutch journalist points to the brutal and relentless landscape of elite football in 2026, where media pressure and social networks dictate destinies. It is questioned whether any coach at clubs like Chelsea or Manchester United would be granted a second season with such poor results. Even Claudio Ranieri, after the historic title win with Leicester in 2016, was dismissed in less than a year.

Since Fenway Sports Group took control of Liverpool 16 years ago, there have been five changes in management. While some of these changes were almost inevitable or voluntary, such as Jürgen Klopp’s departure, the administration at Anfield has avoided the impulsiveness that characterizes other clubs in the Premier League. However, the exit of Arne Slot seems to indicate a shift in paradigm at a time when the team is experiencing a concerning decline.

Despite everything, Arne Slot will always be remembered by fans as the manager who brought unexpected glory to the Premier League. His departure, although painful, can be seen as a sign of the times: modern football does not forgive failures, and tradition can be the first victim when demands are at their peak and patience is minimal.

Liverpool is thus on the brink of a new era, where the challenge will be to balance the pressure for immediate results with respect for the identity that has made this club legendary. The question that remains is clear: do the Reds still know who they are, or are they doomed to repeat cycles of signings and sackings in an endless quest for immediate success?

This article first appeared on Apito Final.