Liverpool's recent loss to PSV has intensified the pressure on manager Arne Slot, leaving two club legends in agreement as to what the Premier League champions should do next
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been backed to remain manager by two club icons
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The future of Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains in serious doubt following a dramatic downturn in results. However, two club legends are unanimous in their opinion on whether last season's debut sensation should be shown the door.
The Reds have suffered defeat in nine of their last 12 matches, most recently enduring a humiliating 4-1 home loss to PSV. This has led to a shortlist of potential Slot replacements doing the rounds, one of whom is available as a free agent.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already endorsed the rumoured candidate as speculation grows. The Echo delves into the latest news from Anfield as Slot's team aim to break their current losing streak at West Ham on Sunday.
Klopp heaps praise on potential Slot successor
The question of whom might step into Slot's shoes if he departs has thrown up some intriguing possibilities, with Zinedine Zidane being one of the most enticing. The Frenchman's impressive track record at Real Madrid makes him a highly sought-after asset, and the fact he's been without a job since 2021 only heightens his allure.
Rumours are rife that Zidane is already gearing up to take over from Didier Deschamps, who will conclude his stint as France manager after the 2026 World Cup. There's arguably no free agent in the market right now who's more enticing, and Klopp had nothing but praise for Zidane's skills ahead of Liverpool's face-off with Real in the 2018 Champions League final.
"If a lot of people think Zinedine Zidane has not a lot of tactical knowledge and then people think the same about me that would be really funny," said the German before that match. "The two managers in the Champions League final have no clue about tactics? What would that say about the game?
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Zinedine Zidane manager of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has previously hailed free agent Zinedine Zidane as a world-class tactician
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"For me, Zinedine Zidane is one of the best five players of all time in football. I'm longer in Liverpool than he is at Real Madrid and he can win the Champions League for a third time. That's never happened before.
"Unfortunately, I have to accept that he is as brilliant as he was as a player. This group of players work like a clock from Switzerland. I saw his team playing a lot of times and it is just fantastic football. It is organised when it needs to be organised and chaos when it needs to be chaos."
Liverpool legends agree on Slot future
Liverpool greats Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman are completely aligned when it comes to whether the club should sack Slot. And it's perhaps unsurprising they're eager to see the club maintain trust in the incumbent following last season's Premier League triumph
Both club legends were front and centre for Wednesday's concerning home defeat to PSV. Despite the outcome, they were quick to express their confidence things will improve under the current boss, who was celebrated as a trailblazer following his title triumph just a few months ago.
"I think no," said McManaman on TNT Sports when the subject of Slot potentially facing the sack came up. "I think it's far too early, what he's achieved and where he is now this year, that's a good run of fixtures.
Steven Gerrard manager of Liverpool U19 talking with ex Liverpool player Steve McManaman before the UEFA Champions League group E match between Sevilla FC U19 and Liverpool FC U19
Both Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman have backed Slot to keep his job
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"I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.
"I think they play Arsenal second week in Jan, that's when the question should be asked. Hopefully they'll have climbed the table. You have to give him time for the signings, who have constantly been injured, they're ones you'd expect to come in and lift the team."
McManaman continued by suggesting it was "far too early" to be posing such queries about Slot's position. Nevertheless, he recognised that such pressures are merely part of "the world we live in," a sentiment Gerrard agreed with.
"That's the world we live in, that's football in the modern day. I've been in that position myself," said the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa manager, who has been linked with a potential Liverpool coaching role over the years. "You understand that if you're not getting the results, there is going to be serious questions asked, stewards inquiry, that comes with the territory especially at the top end.
"I agree, Macca, from me and you because we lived through it and suffered. I've been [on] both sides. It's going to come."