Dutch striker Cody Gakpo was surprised to see Liverpool sack Arne Slot after a disappointing 2025/26 season.
While Cody Gakpo is completely focused on the World Cup, he did receive some shocking news on his way to North America as his club, Liverpool, parted ways with Arne Slot and quickly replaced him with Andoni Iraola, who will be joining them from Bournemouth.
The Dutch international certainly didn’t see it coming, and he made his feelings known while speaking to ESPN. He was asked whether he boarded the plane to the United States with a different feeling because of the Merseyside club’s decision.
Gakpo replied, “No, that is unrelated. But it is of course a shame that the manager has been sacked. Especially after a season in which we fought to reach the Champions League. I believe the club has released a statement with an explanation.”
“Ultimately, I don’t think any player saw this coming, but it did happen. Besides that, many of our players are now working towards the World Cup. So I think we need to put it behind us quickly, no matter how difficult it may be for someone.”
Cody Gakpo’s time under Arne Slot
Gakpo, who arrived at Liverpool at the start of 2023, enjoyed two impressive campaigns at the club under Slot. During the Dutch manager’s first season in charge, he played a pivotal role in the Premier League triumph. He finished with 18 goals and seven assists in his 49 appearances across competitions.
While the Reds couldn’t back it up in the 2025/26 season and could only manage a fifth-placed finish, the versatile forward still had 15 goal contributions in his 52 outings. The majority of his appearances during the first season came on the left flank; however, he was often used as a striker in the second season.
Despite the club’s struggle, Gakpo was certainly enjoying his time under Slot, and he was shocked to learn about his sacking. After they fought hard to secure Champions League football, the 27-year-old expected the club to back the Dutch manager.
However, they decided to part ways with Slot following an end-of-season meeting. Andoni Iraola, who has done wonders at Bournemouth, will now take charge at the Merseyside club at the start of July.
He certainly wasn’t pleased with the decision and believes none of the players might have seen that coming. However, with the World Cup coming up, they need to get over it quickly and focus on doing their best for their respective nations.
The former PSV forward even sent his compatriot a message, he said, “To thank him for the past two years. Last season was of course the highlight. Great memories.”
Following the sacking of Slot, Gakpo’s future at the club now looks uncertain, with reports suggesting that the 27-year-old is considering his options and could end up pushing for a move away.
