Questions are rightly being asked of Arne Slot in the midst of Liverpool's worst run of results in 70 years, and speculation around his potential sacking is swirling. The Reds have lost a staggering nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, suffering three consecutive defeats by a three-goal margin since the 1950s. Clearly, something has to change.
Slot's nightmare was compounded by the 4-1 loss against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, a Champions League mauling that leaves them 13th in the league phase and outside the spots guaranteeing them automatic progression to the knockouts. For a club expected to challenge on multiple fronts - and the reigning Premier League champions, no less - the slump has been astounding.
But despite the dismal results, Liverpool's hierarchy look determined to stick by Slot. Reports revealed he is under pressure to start picking up wins - and soon - but for now, he retains the backing of the powers that be. This, however, was contrasted by an insider declaring his position was "untenable" just hours after the thrashing in mid-week.
Sacking Slot would cost them more than £10m, but due diligence for potential replacements appears to have been conducted. According to an explosive new report, a shock successor is rumoured to be in the frame.
Liverpool Eye Up 'Shock' Slot Replacement
Ange Postecoglou ahead of a Nottingham Forest press conference
While Reds supporters, judging from the social media backlash over the past couple of days, look to have had enough of Slot, they are unlikely to take too kindly to the news that a candidate with two Premier League sackings under his belt is in contention.
Indeed, former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou is said to be a 'shock' name in the frame, with figures on the Liverpool board admiring the Australian greatly despite his brief, unsuccessful stint in charge at the City Ground.
Before that, of course, he was dismissed by Spurs just weeks after leading them to Europa League glory, but the club's 17th-place finish in the league, having decided to focus solely on securing a first trophy in 17 years, was a significant blot on his copybook.
TEAMtalk have claimed that Postecoglou is seen as someone who would "suit" Liverpool given his preferred attacking 4-3-3 formation, and the fact that Forest handed him his P45 after only 39 days has not diminished the club's admiration for his work.
A source also told the publication that another run of defeats could spell the end for Slot on Merseyside.
He can’t keep losing, that’s obvious. Three or four more bad results and the conversation changes completely. But there is more leeway than people outside think.
We don’t sack managers easily at Liverpool. The owners hate knee-jerk decisions and FSG still see this as year zero of a multi-year project.
Liverpool Must Target Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp gives a thumb up in the stands at Anfield
The environs at Forest may not have suited Postecoglou, who remains a very good manager, but Liverpool simply cannot afford to move for someone with such a poor record in the Premier League, one stretching back to this time at Tottenham.
While, at least on paper, the 60-year-old's gung-ho, aggressive approach would get Reds supporters out of their seats, especially after a number of turgid performances this season, it remains to be seen whether he would be able to handle a dressing room packed to the rafters with big characters. There is also the increased scrutiny that comes with being in charge of one of the world's most iconic clubs.
Because of the number of ifs, buts and maybes, this move would be too risky. Instead, Liverpool must turn to someone they already know very well. Reports have indicated that they would ask Jurgen Klopp to make a dramatic comeback should they sack Slot.
PSG's Luis Enrique is said to be their preferred long-term target, but a Klopp return until the end of the season would reinvigorate a side listing toward mediocrity and breathe new life into their ambitions to win a trophy.
Other Liverpool Candidates
Liverpool would do well to keep a close eye on Xabi Alonso's situation at Real Madrid. The Anfield great is said to have a strained relationship with his dressing room, and that could set in motion a chain of events that leads him back to Merseyside.
Steven Gerrard is also out of work, but would represent a more left-field shout, while Andoni Iraola continues to attract plaudits for his sterling work at Bournemouth. He is proven in the Premier League and is committed to an attractive, high-pressing style.
Either way, the Reds must rediscover the front-foot, heavy metal mentality they have lost this season. If Klopp is not the man to drag them back onto the path to glory, they must find someone who can coach in his image. At present, that just isn't Slot.