Liverpool manager Arne Slot is feeling the pressureplaceholder image
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is feeling the pressure | Getty Images
Rumours continue to swirl around Arne Slot’s future as Liverpool manager
It’s been a tough old ride for Arne Slot so far this season, as his hopes of back-to-back Premier League titles with Liverpool have almost faded away already.
The Reds have slipped to seventh in the table following their latest defeat to Manchester City, which was their seventh loss in ten games. The miserable run of form has raised concerns and alarm bells, sparking debate over whether Slot will see the end of his second season in charge.
Frustration is starting to build among Liverpool fans, with some calling for the Dutchman to be axed. Pundit Matt Le Tissier also believes time is not on the manager’s side to turn things around, fearing a repeat of Claudio Ranieri’s fall from grace with Leicester City.
Having enjoyed a nine-year relationship with Jurgen Klopp, it’s been over a decade since Liverpool last sacked a manager. Dismissing Slot would be a brutal call from the Reds, and something fans haven’t seen in a long time. But will it come to that?
As the rumours circulate - along with the ongoing calls of who would be the correct replacement - we’ve listed three realistic candidates who could fit the bill, should Liverpool make the decision to cut ties with Slot sooner than expected.
Zinedine Zidane
The legendary Zidane has been without a club for four years now and naturally, most high profile managerial vacancies or sacking rumours have his name linked in some way.
Some recent reports have emerged suggesting the Frenchman is in the frame to replace Slot at Anfield, should Liverpool pull the plug on their current project.
Zidane is an icon of the game and a serial winner, having lifted the Champions League trophy four times as a player and manager with Real Madrid. The Ballon d’Or winner has not managed anyone since he left Los Blancos for a second time four years ago and reports of his highly anticipated return to coaching aren’t often far from the headlines.
Zidane won 11 trophies as a manager with Real Madrid, across two stints that lasted a combined four-and-a-half years.
Last month, a report from Foot Africa claimed the 53-year-old was the most prominent name linked with a move to Anfield.
Oliver Glasner
It only makes sense to include one of the biggest thorns in Slot’s side recently. Crystal Palace have seriously impressed under the reign of Glasner and have hit dizzying new heights with their rush of recent silverware.
Their fairytale triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup marked their first ever major trophy lift, and it was nothing short of what they deserved.
The fruits of Glasner’s labour have been plentiful but with success comes rival interest. Just like the Crystal Palace players, other clubs are now looking to sign Glasner himself. If Liverpool were to axe Slot, the Austrian would be a good option to aim for.
Andoni Iraola
Similar to Glasner, Iraola is impressing while managing a club with a more ‘underdog’ status.
Liverpool are clear admirers of Bournemouth and the project unfolding at the club, hence the signing of Milos Kerkez over the summer. They were also interested in Dean Huijsen, who now plays for Real Madrid, while Antoine Semenyo is one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League.
The Reds had a tough time facing the Cherries at the start of the season and they are now level on points with them in the league table. Bournemouth impressed with their ninth-place finish last season and are working on better than again this time round.
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