Liverpool’s search for a successor to Arne Slot is already underway, and while several managers have been name-checked, there is an early frontrunner.
Liverpool’s owners declared “change is necessary” in their joint statement addressing Slot’s departure, with the decision indicative of the need for a “different approach.”
The Dutchman had insisted he was part of discussions for the summer and was confident he could oversee a turnaround in form.
But he will not get that chance, with Liverpool now on the search for their third manager in four seasons.
According to Sky Sports‘ Vinny O’Connor, “the belief is that a different profile of head coach is needed to bring out what Liverpool fans would appreciate more as their style of play, the kind of football that we saw under Jurgen Klopp.”
An early frontrunner has emerged as Slot’s successor, but other names have also been mooted.
Andoni Iroala – The frontrunner
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iroala, the departed Bournemouth boss, has widely been reported to be leading the candidate to take over at Liverpool in the aftermath of the club’s announcement.
The *Times*‘ Paul Joyce, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, Sky Sports, and The Telegraph are among many to declare the Spaniard as the “clear favourite.”
His connection to sporting director Richard Hughes is readily referenced after he oversaw his appointment at the Cherries, and he was reported to be “interested” in the job when there was no vacancy.
According to the Telegraph, “insiders feel that Iraola is the outstanding candidate, although FSG will go through a formal process.”
Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage – On the shortlist
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 11, 2025: A Liver bird embodied on the manager's seat in the dug-out seen before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, PSG won 4-1 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As for the alternatives, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens’ Pierre Sage are “also on a shortlist,” as per The Telegraph.
The pair were also name-checked from the abovementioned outlets.
Hoeness, 44, is described as a coach who combines “defensive stability” with “expansive attacking football.”
He took the German club from the threat of relegation to a DFB Cup triumph and into the Champions League nights, earning comparisons to Jurgen Klopp.
Sage, 47, is perhaps a lesser-known name, but he led Lens to a second-place finish in his first season in charge and won the club’s first-ever Coupe de France trophy.
He is known to be a calm figure, and interestingly told Telefoot that his dream was to one day manage Liverpool, but that he was committed to overseeing Lens in the Champions League.
In a later interview with Canal Football Club, he elaborated, saying: “Liverpool? This club represents so much, it’s a bit like Lens in its values.
“There are other attractive clubs in England, but it would be the holy grail.”
Next Liverpool manager odds
Next Liverpool Manager Odds
Manager Odds Current Club/Status
Andoni Iraola 1/20 Unattached (Ex-Bournemouth)
Sebastian Hoeness 5/1 Stuttgart
Oliver Glasner 10/1 Unattached
Pierre Sage 10/1 Lyon
Luis Enrique 12/1 PSG
Steven Gerrard 14/1 Unattached
Unai Emery 16/1 Aston Villa
Julian Nagelsmann 20/1 Germany
Jurgen Klopp 20/1 Unattached
Simone Inzaghi 25/1 Al-Hilal
Odds via Oddschecker. Correct following the sacking of Arne Slot on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
According to bookmakers, via OddsChecker, Iraola is the clear favourite, with Hoeness, Oliver Glasner and Sage next in the list.
And PSG’s Luis Enrique has dropped down the order ahead of his side’s Champions League final.