Liverpool have made a horrendous start to the season and Arne Slot's side have serious issues to overcome but if results don't improve, his job may be on the line
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Neil Docking
08:11, 14 Nov 2025Updated 08:15, 14 Nov 2025
Arne Slot
View 4 Images
Liverpool manager Arne Slot knows results must improve or his position will become precarious
Liverpool's attempt to defend their Premier League title has taken a turn for the worse this season.
The Reds' 3-0 drubbing by Manchester City marked their second consecutive defeat before the international break, following a 2-1 upset against Crystal Palace in September. And to make matters worse, it was their fifth defeat in their last six league games.
After 11 matches, Arne Slot's team find themselves languishing in eighth place in the league table, trailing leaders Arsenal by eight points. Despite showing signs of a comeback with successive victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, Liverpool seem to have slipped back again.
The recent thrashing at the hands of City has piled more pressure on Reds' manager Arne Slot, who accepted the blame for the woeful outcome. The result has led the Dutchman to put any talk of a title challenge on hold for now. With rumours swirling about a potential shortlist should Slot be shown the door, and a contract conundrum looming for Liverpool, here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Potential successors to Slot
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool reacts
View 4 Images
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool after a poor start to the season(Image: Getty Images)
Despite Slot still enjoying the support of the Liverpool board, a list of potential replacements has emerged should he part ways with the club.
As per the Daily Mail, before Fenway Sports Group (FSG) decided to bring in the Premier League-winning Dutchman, they had considered approaches for Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness and former Brighton, now Marseille coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
Michel from Girona, Ernesto Valverde of Athletic Bilbao and Luciano Spalletti, formerly of Italy and now the Juventus boss were also in the running.
Sebastian Hoeness, head coach of VfB Stuttgart
View 4 Images
Sebastian Hoeness, head coach of VfB Stuttgart(Image: No credit)
The report also highlights Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola as potential candidates. Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano is also mentioned as a manager who has gained recognition in the footballing world for his coaching skills.
French legend Zinedine Zidane, who has been unemployed since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 is also named. However, Zidane has reportedly ruled out managing in the Premier League in the past.
Vincent Kompany, who is currently impressing with Bayern Munich, was another contender mentioned although a move to City in the future, should Pep Guardiola leave the club, is much more probable.
Triple contract issue
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during a training session
View 4 Images
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are out of contract in 2028(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Just months after resolving the long-standing contract disputes with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool appear to be facing a new challenge on that front, reports the Mirror.
Current contracts for the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominic Szoboszlai are nearing their end with the Premier League title-winners naturally in demand and their contracts expiring in 2028.
The Daily Mail reports that negotiations are underway, with the Reds trying to secure the players who were signed in the summer of 2023. Liverpool are reportedly seeking long-term deals that reflect the players' value in the squad.
Nevertheless, representatives of all three players are pushing for improved deals, according to the report. Gravenberch has been Liverpool's standout star this campaign, but remarks from his representative linking him with Real Madrid are likely to unsettle Reds supporters.
"When Ryan was 16, Barca called us," Gravenberch's agent revealed via the Mail. "They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development. He's good enough for Real Madrid."
He continued: "We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they've had their eye on him but now it's impossible."
When quizzed about his future before facing Madrid, Gravenberch commented: "Obviously I'm happy here, we have to see. We haven't talked yet [about a new contract], but we will see."
Meanwhile, Mac Allister has restated his loyalty to the Reds. Speaking in Argentina regarding speculation about Real Madrid's interest, he remarked: "I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they'll lose interest."
Article continues below
AS have also suggested that Real and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Szoboszlai. Liverpool are reportedly eager to extend his deal until 2030 and reward his outstanding displays with enhanced wages, yet like his two midfield partners, no new contract is currently being offered to the Hungarian talent.