Liverpool may well be in the market for a new manager when the 2025/26 Premier League season ends.
Pressure is mounting on Arne Slot's shoulders, despite the Dutchman starting his managerial career in England in the best possible way, by winning the Premier League title with the Reds in his first season.
Liverpool spent more than £400million in the summer transfer window, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. But they have gone backwards since the summer, with the Reds in a battle to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League, sitting fifth in the Premier League standings with seven games to go.
Arne Slot's Future Is Under Threat At Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot points vs PSG
Fifth will be good enough for Champions League football next season, but Liverpool only have a one-point gap to sixth-placed Chelsea in the run-in.
Reports have suggested that Slot retains the backing of the Liverpool board, despite their poor second season under him, although failure to qualify for Europe's premier competition next season could change that thought process between now and the end of the campaign.
Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favourite to take over at Anfield if Slot is relieved of his duties, which is understandable given his connection to the club as a player and his early managerial career at Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
However, Liverpool could and perhaps should look a little closer to home if they decide to make a change.
Jamie Carragher has recently described Liverpool as a "team of individuals", saying: "There's lots of things wrong with this Liverpool team. Nothing's working or functioning going forward or defending. But the biggest thing that stands out for me that Liverpool have lost is the press."
The man they can bring in to change that is Unai Emery.
Emery has enjoyed success almost wherever he has been and has transformed Aston Villa into regular challengers at the top of the table since arriving at the club in 2022. Villa were in the conversation for the Premier League title for much of this season with their attractive brand of football.
Unai Emery Has The Attributes To Be Next Liverpool Boss
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
The Spaniard has been known to employ a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation in recent seasons, although he can vary it up, utilising 4-5-1 on occasions and 4-3-3 too. His teams set up with a high defensive line and look to win the ball back high and progressing the ball quickly up the field - something Jurgen Klopp's teams did exceptionally well during his time at Anfield.
Emery has been a revelation for Villa and the Midlands hierarchy would be reluctant to lose him, particularly to a Premier League rival. And if Villa end up qualifying for next season's Champions League - as they are on course to do sitting fourth, a position above the Reds in the table - it could be difficult to prise him away from Villa Park. He also has a contract until 2029, making things even more troublesome.
But Villa have always struggled when it comes to Financial Fair Play and will be looking over their shoulders when it comes to the new Squad Cost Ratio rules.
At Liverpool he would have a bit more freedom - although the summer transfer splurge may mean the Reds have to be more frugal - and that would appeal to the Spaniard who has been described as "one of the best coaches in the world" by numerous pundits, fans and former players.
Arne Slot | Liverpool Related
Liverpool Manager Update: Journalist Shares Arne Slot Future News Live on Sky Sports
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool.