After a rather underwhelming Premier League title defence that fell far short of expectations, most disgruntled Liverpool fans had hoped that their club would replace Arne Slot with former Red Xabi Alonso ahead of the new season. It was surely a role that appealed to Alonso, given his former ties to the club, but Liverpool never made an approach. Unable to secure what was reportedly his dream move, Alonso instead settled for Chelsea to end his spell of unemployment.
Although Liverpool owners FSG have not been in the hunt for a new manager, might they begin scouting some options this summer? With player and fan discontent growing, their loyalty to Slot man might begin to waver.
Will Slot Be Replaced?
Despite prolonged inconsistent form, there has been no reliable indication that Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool manager is under threat. Last month, David Ornstein wrote that all the information he had received indicated the sporting hierarchy at Liverpool intended to stick with the Dutchman. This was reiterated before the defeat to Aston Villa.
Despite all the enthusiastic Slot-backing, player reaction following the Aston Villa game may give the Liverpool owners something to think about. A frustrated Mohamed Salah posted an Instagram message criticising the way the club is playing at present, suggesting it lacks the heavy-metal attacking football he is familiar with.
Although the Egyptian did not mention Slot directly in the message, reading between the lines, it feels as though he was attributing at least some blame to the Dutchman. Salah is not the only player who may feel this way, with Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong (among others) all liking the post.
The fact that there are indications that some of the dressing room may have turned against Slot, combined with increasing frustration among Liverpool fans, could make the club’s owners think twice about their commitment to him. But if they were to consider someone else, who might they go for?
Possible Slot Replacements as Liverpool Boss
If Slot is shown the door at Anfield, here are the most likely candidates to become the next Liverpool manager.
Luis Enrique
Acquiring the services of Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique would certainly soften the blow of missing out on Alonso, but just how realistic is that prospect? Having won the Champions League last season and guided PSG to another final this year, his stock is extremely high. His teams play front-footed, attack-minded football that produces plenty of goals – exactly the sort of style Liverpool fans would enjoy.
Enrique’s current contract expires in 2027, but he has given no indication that he wants to leave any earlier than this. Speaking about his future recently, he said: “I am so happy at Paris Saint-Germain. Ici c’est Paris!” Additionally, reports suggest he is close to signing a contract extension in Paris, making a move to Liverpool seem unlikely.
Andoni Iraola (2/1)
This is a name that initially feels more plausible, with Iraola confirmed to be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. He had been one of the frontrunners for the vacant role at Athletic Bilbao, but the Spanish club instead opted for Edin Terzic. Despite his availability, persuading Iraola to remain in England could prove difficult.
It has been rumoured that the reason he could not be convinced to extend his Cherries stay was a desire to return to Spain with his family. He also appears open to taking a break from coaching, recently saying, “I don’t know if I’m going to coach next season. I have no rush to decide.” So, while his style of football and Premier League experience might make him a good fit at Anfield, it is difficult to see a deal happening.
Sebastian Hoeneß (9/2)
Hoeness moved to Stuttgart late in the 2022/23 season, when the German side finished 16th in the Bundesliga, one place lower than the previous campaign. Since then, he has transformed the club, guiding them to finishes of second, ninth (along with a DFB-Pokal win), and fourth. Highly regarded by fans and pundits alike, some have gone as far as to dub him a “Klopp clone”. But unlike Klopp, he has not indicated that he is keen to leave Germany. Speaking last month, he said: “I am fully committed to VfB and want to continue being as successful as possible.”
Oliver Glasner (8/1)
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Although Julian Nagelsmann is next in the betting, Oliver Glasner may stand a better chance than the German national team manager. The Austrian has done wonderful work at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup and guiding the Eagles to a European final. As well as this, he became the first Palace manager to break the 50-point barrier in the Premier League last season.
His contract with Palace expires at the end of the season, meaning he would be available for free. While a lack of “big club” experience may work against him, it would be interesting to see what he could achieve with a far more generous budget at Liverpool.
Conclusion
For one reason or another, there are no standout candidates to replace Arne Slot this summer. This, combined with the fact he has all-but secured Champions League qualification, should mean he remains at Anfield over the summer. If the Liverpool owners have a change of heart, though, Hoeness is probably the most realistic option of the lot.