Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard reacts to Arne Slot sack, skeptical over Andoni Iraola

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard reacts to Arne Slot sack, skeptical over Andoni Iraola

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard admitted that he's 'gutted' about the sacking of Arne Slot and seemed wary of Andoni Iraola taking over.

Slot, 47, has been sacked after finishing fifth in the Premier League, just one year after lifting the title in his first season.

Iraola is now the favourite to take over at Anfield with his contract at Bournemouth set to expire next month.

Gerrard is at the Champions League final in Budapest as a pundit for TNT Sports and was asked for his reaction.

"Not surprised. Gutted for Arne Slot because in his first year, he had done an incredible job. Taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, that was a tough task and big shoes to fill, and he had done it seamlessly," he said.

"It's very difficult to win the Premier League, and I know that more than most. For him to deliver that in year one cannot be forgotten, so I think he will go down in the history books and be remembered forever.

"Having said that, in the last 10 games of last season and the majority of this season, we have not looked like Liverpool. The style... it has been difficult to watch at times. It looks disjointed, broken.

"When I got the news, of course, your initial reaction is surprise and shock. But when you analyse it properly, it's probably the right time in my opinion."

Gerrard added: "Well, look, I think we've all been around the game long enough to know how the 'process' works.

“I would be very surprised if they made that decision and all of a sudden thought, 'Well, who are we going to appoint next?'

"Liverpool don't work like that. Liverpool are an organised machine, up top, they have been for a long time.

"I think it is the right time because it is the end of the season. A new guy will get a pre-season, and he will get that chance to recruit players. As a manager going in, it is the best time to go in, to reset everyone, and get everyone moving forward in the right direction.

"I'd be extremely surprised if the people above Slot who make the big decisions at Liverpool all of a sudden started from three or four hours ago looking for a successor."

When Gerrard was asked about Iraola potentially coming in, he admitted his style would suit Liverpool but urged the club not to put all their eggs in one basket.

"Potentially, yes. I think he has done a fabulous job at Bournemouth. I think his style would suit Liverpool.

"Let's not beat around the bush, Liverpool Football Club is an attractive job for a lot of elite managers around the world, so I don't think he will be the only name on the table.

“But because of the link to Bournemouth and the guys that have come from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of board level, they will know him very well.

"But then, you know, there are other names out there as well that I am sure would want that Liverpool job. It's a huge job in world football.

“Potentially, to answer your question, I think he should be in the conversation, yes."