Liverpool have sacked manager Arne Slot, and the process to replace him is already underway at Anfield.
The Reds had a poor Premier League campaign, finishing fifth after 13 league defeats and over 50 goals conceded, although they did manage to secure Champions League football with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day.
But the decision has been made to part ways with the Dutchman, and now talks are being lined up with a number of candidates about finding his replacement.
Liverpool to Hold Talks With 'Outstanding' Manager
Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness
While Andoni Iraola is understood to be the clear favourite to replace Slot at Anfield, with talks being held already, he is not the only name under consideration.
According to David Ornstein, the Reds are also likely to hold talks with current Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß over the manager's role, after his impressive spell in charge with the Bundesliga club.
Stuttgart won the DFB Pokal final in the 2024/25 season and almost managed to defend their title this season, but suffered a 3-0 defeat in the final against Bayern Munich.
While there is interest in Hoeneß, who has been described as 'outstanding', Iraola is the clear favourite for the role. But with Liverpool yet to commit to offering him a contract, there is still a chance they decide to pivot to an alternative option, and the German would definitely be in the conversation for that, having been compared to Jurgen Klopp in the past too.
Hoeneß a Good Back-Up for Iraola
Sebastian Hoeness taking charge of Stuttgart
Sebastian Hoeness taking charge of Stuttgart.
With Iraola the leading contender for the job, it's hard to look past him eventually being in the dugout before the start of the new season.
But it's smart of Liverpool to be able to take a look at other candidates just in case something doesn't go to plan, and also to ensure that they are completely happy with their decision before committing to it.
Hoeneß has made a good impression with the way his teams have played on the pitch, and if he makes a good impression during talks now, then it's possible he could be setting himself up for success in the future at a bigger club like Liverpool.
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