Premier League Manager Emerges as Favourite to Replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
A current Premier League boss has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Arne Slot should Liverpool decide to part ways with the Dutchman.
Liverpoolโs difficult run continued on Wednesday night as they suffered their sixth defeat in seven matches, losing 3โ0 at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half before Yeremy Pino added a late third to compound a miserable evening for the hosts. The Reds finished the game with ten men after 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just 11 minutes after coming on.
Slot made ten changes from the side that lost 3โ2 to Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, fielding a youthful, inexperienced lineup. He later defended his selection, citing Liverpoolโs congested fixture list โ but the decision did little to quell mounting criticism of his leadership.
FSG Yet to Panic, but Glasner Tops Bookmakersโ Odds
Despite growing unrest among supporters, Fenway Sports Group are not believed to be considering immediate action. The clubโs owners have sacked just three managers since taking charge in 2010 and none since 2015.
However, should results fail to improve, bookmakers have already installed Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as the 3/1 favourite to take over at Anfield, according to The Sun.
Glasnerโs Palace side have beaten Liverpool three times this season โ in the Community Shield, the Premier League, and now the Carabao Cup.
The Austrian coach, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, has impressed since arriving in 2024, guiding Palace to an FA Cup triumph and transforming their style of play. His contract situation could also make him a more affordable option should Liverpool seek a change.
Speaking after Palaceโs latest win, Glasner refused to attribute his sideโs victory to Liverpoolโs weakened team, saying:
โIt would be disrespectful to suggest we won just because they made changes.โ
Other Contenders: Iraola, Zidane, Nagelsmann, and Klopp
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is second favourite at 4/1, having turned the Cherries into one of the Premier Leagueโs surprise packages. His side currently sit second in the table after a 2โ0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Zinedine Zidane (9/2) remains a high-profile name in the mix, though the former Real Madrid boss has previously expressed hesitation about managing in England due to language barriers.
Julian Nagelsmann (7/1), currently in charge of the German national team, is another admired candidate but remains under contract through Euro 2028.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (9/1) continues to be linked with an emotional return. Klopp, who led the Reds to their first Premier League title in 30 years, is currently Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull and recently hinted that a comeback to Anfield could be possible โtheoretically.โ
Jose Mourinho, newly appointed at Benfica, is priced at 25/1, making a move highly unlikely.
Current Liverpool Next Manager Odds (via Betfair):
| Manager | Current Club/Role | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Glasner | Crystal Palace | 3/1 |
| Andoni Iraola | Bournemouth | 4/1 |
| Zinedine Zidane | Unattached | 9/2 |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Germany | 7/1 |
| Jurgen Klopp | Red Bull (Global Head of Football)** | 9/1 |
| Jose Mourinho | Benfica | 25/1 |
Liverpool return to action on Saturday when they host Aston Villa at Anfield, before facing Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday and Manchester City away on November 9.
With three huge fixtures ahead, the pressure on Arne Slot to steady the ship has never been greater.
