Liverpool Next Manager Odds: 8 Favourites to Replace Arne Slot if He’s Sacked

Liverpool Next Manager Odds: Eight Leading Contenders to Replace Arne Slot if He’s Sacked

Just a few months ago, the idea of Arne Slot being under pressure at Liverpool would have seemed absurd. The Dutchman had just delivered a Premier League title in his debut season, and a summer of heavy investment — including big-name arrivals like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike — promised a bright future.

But football moves fast. A run of four straight Premier League defeats and six losses in seven across all competitions has turned optimism into anxiety. A 3–0 EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace has only deepened the gloom. While reports suggest Slot retains backing from the board, the situation could quickly change if results don’t improve.

If Liverpool’s slump continues, who might replace him? Here are the eight leading names in the early odds for the next Reds boss.

8. José Mourinho (25/1)

A name that always grabs headlines. Mourinho’s history with Liverpool — from Champions League duels to his famous 2014 touchline sprint — ensures plenty of intrigue.

However, a reunion feels improbable. His tense relationship with Liverpool fans and his recent appointment at Benfica make a move unlikely in the near future.

7. Xabi Alonso (16/1)

A sentimental favourite. The former Liverpool midfielder is adored on Merseyside after five stellar years at Anfield. Alonso is currently at Real Madrid, having succeeded Carlo Ancelotti, and is targeting the La Liga title in his first season.

A return now seems unrealistic, but many believe it’s a matter of when, not if, he eventually manages his old club.

6. Pep Lijnders (10/1)

Klopp’s long-time assistant knows Liverpool inside out, having helped shape their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

But doubts remain about his credentials as a head coach. His difficult stints with NEC Nijmegen and Red Bull Salzburg, coupled with his current role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, make a return unlikely in the short term.

5. Jürgen Klopp (9/1)

Could the legend really return? Klopp guided Liverpool to a Champions League title, a Club World Cup, and their first league crown in 30 years before stepping down in 2024.

Recently, he refused to rule out managing Liverpool again, telling The Diary of a CEO:

“If I ever came back to English football, it would only be Liverpool.”

A fairytale comeback remains improbable — but not impossible.

4. Julian Nagelsmann (7/1)

Highly rated for his tactical intelligence, the German coach was linked with Liverpool before Slot’s appointment. Now leading Germany’s national team, Nagelsmann recently extended his contract through Euro 2028, which may complicate any approach.

Still, his innovative, attack-minded style would appeal to the Anfield hierarchy.

3. Zinedine Zidane (9/2)

Out of management since 2021, Zidane brings both aura and pedigree — two La Liga titles and three straight Champions Leagues with Real Madrid speak for themselves.

The Frenchman has previously praised Anfield as “the best stadium I ever played in,” and his availability could make him a serious candidate if Slot’s tenure ends abruptly.

2. Andoni Iraola (4/1)

Liverpool could look within the Premier League, and Andoni Iraola’s work at Bournemouth has earned admiration across the league. His high-intensity, front-foot football has turned the Cherries into a surprise top-four contender despite losing key players last summer.

Interestingly, Iraola has never beaten Liverpool in six attempts — but that hasn’t stopped him from being linked to Anfield.

1. Oliver Glasner (3/1)

Currently at Crystal Palace, Glasner tops the list of early favourites. The Austrian has revitalised the Eagles, guiding them to an FA Cup win in 2025 and defeating Liverpool in the Community Shield.

His contract at Selhurst Park expires this summer, making him a realistic target. Having just masterminded Palace’s 3–0 win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup, he’s the obvious frontrunner should a vacancy open up.

Other Names to Watch

If Liverpool do decide to make a change, a few familiar faces could also enter the conversation:

• Steven Gerrard – The club icon has long been tipped as a future Liverpool manager. After success with Rangers and a mixed spell at Aston Villa, a return would carry emotional weight but also immense pressure.
• Brendan Rodgers – Currently linked with the Wolves job after leaving Celtic, Rodgers came close to winning the Premier League with Liverpool in 2014 and remains respected for his attacking approach.

The Situation at Anfield

For now, Arne Slot remains in charge, but the atmosphere around Anfield is tense. The Reds are seven points off top spot, and fans are demanding a reaction.

As one pundit put it after the latest defeat:

“Liverpool don’t look like champions — they look like a team searching for answers.”

A win against Aston Villa this weekend feels crucial. Anything less, and the bookmakers might soon be opening the “Next Liverpool Manager” market for real.