Zinedine Zidane Emerges as Liverpool Managerial Contender
Zinedine Zidane has become one of the leading names in the betting markets to take over as Liverpool manager if the club decides to part ways with Arne Slot.
Since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, Zidane has remained without a managerial position. However, Liverpool’s recent struggles have sparked renewed speculation over his potential arrival at Anfield.
The Reds have suffered five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions, their worst run since Slot’s appointment last summer. Their 3-2 loss to Brentford on Saturday has left them seventh in the Premier League standings.
Despite this slump, there appears to be no immediate urgency from the club’s hierarchy. Liverpool clinched last season’s Premier League title and began this campaign with five consecutive league victories before their current winless streak.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, have only terminated the contracts of three managers — Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, and Brendan Rodgers — since taking majority control in 2010. Nonetheless, some fans are beginning to voice pressure on Slot due to the team’s recent performances.
Betting Odds: Zidane Among the Favorites
Betfair has updated its odds for the next Liverpool manager, showing interesting shifts.
- Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) leads at 3/1.
- Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) follows at 4/1.
- Zinedine Zidane is third favorite at 9/2.
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany coach) is listed at 7/1.
- A potential return for Jurgen Klopp, now Global Head of Football at Red Bull, is at 9/1.
Zidane on Liverpool
Zidane has previously expressed admiration for Liverpool, calling Anfield the best away stadium during an interview with Real Madrid’s YouTube channel.
Ahead of the 2021 Champions League quarter-final, where Real Madrid defeated Liverpool over two legs, Zidane praised Klopp’s work in building a well-rounded team:
“They are a cohesive and robust team. While the forwards—Salah, Mane, Firmino—get attention, the squad functions excellently as a unit. The forwards are exceptional, but the focus is on the collective.”
Potential Challenges
Similar to speculation linking him to Manchester United, Zidane would face obstacles if tasked with managing Liverpool. He has admitted that he is not fully fluent in English, though he understands it, which could be a hurdle in adapting to the Premier League.
“I understand English, but I don’t have complete mastery. Some coaches manage without knowing the language, but that’s not my approach,” Zidane told L’Equipe in 2022.
Zidane’s managerial career has been exclusively with Real Madrid, including Real Castilla (2014–2016) and two stints with the senior team. He played for Madrid for five years and is fluent in Spanish.
Although he has been out of work since 2021, Zidane continues to be linked with high-profile roles, including as a possible successor to Didier Deschamps as France manager after the 2026 World Cup.
