Arne Slot faces the most intense pressure of his Liverpool tenure after Wednesday night’s flat draw with Sunderland, a result that has deepened concerns about the direction of the team in his second season in charge.
Taking over from Jurgen Klopp was always viewed as one of football’s most daunting assignments, yet Slot appeared to defy expectations when Liverpool surged to the Premier League title last season. Backed heavily in the summer with major investment in attacking talent, many betting sites predicted a comfortable title defence.
That confidence has evaporated. Slot has now overseen nine defeats in Liverpool’s last twelve matches in all competitions and the club have slumped to 12th in the Premier League table. The dramatic loss of form for Mo Salah in particular has prompted several bookmakers to open a market on the next Liverpool manager, a clear indication that the Dutchman’s position is far from secure. Defeat to West Ham this weekend could move him closer to the exit door as pressure mounts both inside and outside the club.
| Candidate | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jurgen Klopp | 2/1 |
| Andoni Iraola | 5/1 |
| Oliver Glasner | 6/1 |
| Xabi Alonso | 6/1 |
| Steven Gerrard | 10/1 |
| Julian Nagelsmann | 10/1 |
| Unai Emery | 10/1 |
| Zinedine Zidane | 12/1 |
Liverpool moved swiftly to replace Klopp last season, and their success under Slot made it appear that the transition had been seamless. Klopp is now working as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull during his managerial break, yet speculation around a sensational return has already begun to surface.
Supporters remain divided on whether the German would consider stepping back into club management, but his name features prominently in the betting.
Remarkably, Klopp sits near the top of the early contenders despite previously insisting that he is “done” with club management for the foreseeable future. Whether that stance would hold if Liverpool approached him again remains to be seen. His inclusion in the betting illustrates just how unsettled things have become at Anfield. There is also strong attention on coaches currently proving their worth elsewhere in the Premier League.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner are both prominent in the market as potential successors. Iraola has impressed with Bournemouth’s high energy style and tactical discipline, while Glasner has lifted Palace into a competitive mid table position with a progressive approach that has caught the eye of several clubs. Both managers appear to fit the profile Liverpool have historically targeted.
Xabi Alonso is another leading candidate and is currently viewed as the second favourite. The former Liverpool midfielder is in charge of Real Madrid and is regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.
His strong connection to Anfield makes him an appealing option for many supporters, but securing him would be a complex task given his current role and Madrid’s long term planning.
Further down the odds list sit high profile names such as Steven Gerrard, Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and Zinedine Zidane. All carry differing levels of experience and availability, yet each is considered a possible contender should Liverpool make a formal change. Gerrard, in particular, would generate significant media attention if he were ever approached, although his recent managerial record may work against him.
Slot still has time to turn the situation around, but the atmosphere has shifted noticeably in recent weeks. Performances have dipped, confidence has drained, and supporters who celebrated a title triumph just months ago are now questioning the direction of the team. The next few fixtures could be decisive in determining whether Liverpool stick with their manager or begin planning for a new era in the Anfield dugout.
