Liverpool believe the team must evolve again

It was just over two weeks ago when Arne Slot told reporters at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre that he had "every reason to believe" he would be the Reds manager next season.

Slot was a major part of planning for next season and, at various times over the past few months, spoke about the importance of the summer ahead for Liverpool as they continue their transition, following a record spend of £415m in the same period last season.

So when the Dutchman was informed on Saturday morning, after a decision made by sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG chief executive Michael Edwards, that he was to be sacked, it was a shock to Slot.

His contract was set to expire next summer.

As recently as Friday, Slot's representatives believed there was no change in the support shown by Liverpool over the course of what the 47-year-old described to BBC Sport in February as the "toughest season" he has had.

A campaign that started with the tragic death of Diogo Jota and Liverpool hit hard by injuries ended with the team losing 19 games.

Add in the regular occurrence of boos from supporters at Anfield and the ugly breakdown of his relationship with Mohamed Salah and you can see why Slot and Liverpool were truly pushed to the limits.

Liverpool believe that, having had a chance to assess the situation now the season is over, the team must evolve again.

Major signings were made last summer, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni joining, and more are planned this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet already confirmed in a £60m deal from Rennes.

Fundamentally, the feeling is that the next phase demands a front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football, and that Slot is not the man for that.