A Champions League-winning manager has been earmarked as a possible Arne Slot replacement should Liverpool's owners opt to make a change
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arne Slot is nearing Champions League qualification with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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As Liverpool's campaign draws to a close, attention is already beginning to turn to next season. The Reds climbed to fourth in the Premier League table after their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last Saturday.
Champions League qualification is now within their grasp for next term, which should be sufficient for Arne Slot to retain his position. However, the Dutchman has faced considerable scrutiny throughout the campaign following the highs of last year.
Steven Gerrard has remained steadfast in his backing of Slot throughout the season. The Liverpool legend could soon find himself back in management following a recent managerial vacancy, while a former Reds midfielder has been discussing potential summer replacements for the Dutchman.
Here, we examine the latest developments emerging from Anfield.
Steven Gerrard leading contender
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has been without a managerial role since departing Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq last year, but has now become the bookmakers' frontrunner to take charge at Burnley.
Thursday saw the announcement that Scott Parker had left the recently-relegated club by mutual consent, with the Clarets set for Championship football next term following last week's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Steven Gerrard smiling
Steven Gerrard has been without a managerial job since leaving Al-Ettifaq last year(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Gerrard and former Reds colleague Craig Bellamy - currently the Wales manager - have been swiftly touted for the position. At present, bookmakers William Hill have Gerrard priced at 4/7 to be occupying the Turf Moor dugout next season.
Such a switch to the second tier would see Gerrard follow Frank Lampard's example of stepping down a division to join Coventry City last year. The Chelsea legend has since secured promotion to the Premier League in his maiden full campaign at the helm of the Sky Blues.
Arne Slot replacement choice
While Arne Slot is edging closer to securing Champions League football for next season, speculation surrounding his future continues to swirl. The Reds have given no indication they wish to part ways with the Dutchman, who has already discussed the club's summer transfer strategy.
Luis Enrique speaks to media
Luis Enrique has been told he's the perfect fit for Liverpool
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Nevertheless, should owners Fenway Sports Group decide to make a managerial change, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Luis Enrique represents the ideal candidate to take charge of the Premier League heavyweights.
Speaking to Betarades, Murphy said: "For me, there is one outstanding candidate - Luis Enrique. Could Liverpool maybe tempt him, especially if he wins the Champions League again? Maybe he would feel like he needs a new challenge.
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"He is a phenomenal coach and when you watch PSG play, you kind of feel that is how I want my team to play. I am torn, just like a lot of Liverpool fans are. A part of me does feel like Arne Slot deserves the chance to redeem himself after his brilliant first season. The circumstances he has had to deal with this season have been tough in many ways.
"But if there is somebody out there who feels they can move the team more forward quickly, then yes, make the change. The biggest thing is that I have very rarely seen a Liverpool fanbase, a majority of the fanbase, turn on a manager quite so quickly through a bad spell."
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