Zinedine Zidane has rapidly emerged as one of the frontrunners to become Liverpool’s next manager amid growing uncertainty surrounding Arne Slot’s position at Anfield. Betting markets have reacted strongly in recent days, placing the French legend among the leading contenders to take charge should the club decide to make a managerial change.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has remained without a managerial role, carefully considering his next move. However, Liverpool’s recent decline in form has reignited speculation that the three-time Champions League–winning coach could be tempted to return to the dugout.
Liverpool have endured a difficult spell, suffering five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions — their worst run since Slot took over last summer. A 3-2 loss to Brentford at the weekend has left the Reds languishing in seventh place in the Premier League table. While the club started the season strongly, winning their first five league fixtures, their current slump has put significant pressure on the team and its manager.
Despite growing frustration among supporters, there is no indication yet of an imminent decision from the club’s hierarchy. Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, have historically shown patience with their managers, having dismissed only three — Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, and Brendan Rodgers — since taking majority control in 2010. Still, discontent among fans is becoming more vocal, particularly after the team’s poor recent performances.
Zidane’s Position in the Betting Markets
According to Betfair, the odds for the next Liverpool manager have shifted notably:
- Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) – 3/1
- Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) – 4/1
- Zinedine Zidane – 9/2
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany coach) – 7/1
- Jurgen Klopp (currently Global Head of Football at Red Bull) – 9/1
Zidane’s inclusion among the top contenders reflects both his stature in world football and the uncertainty currently surrounding Arne Slot’s tenure.
Zidane’s Connection to Liverpool
The former Real Madrid boss has previously expressed his admiration for Liverpool and Anfield, describing it as the best away atmosphere he had ever experienced. Ahead of the 2021 Champions League quarter-final, in which his Madrid side triumphed over Liverpool, Zidane praised Jürgen Klopp’s team for their unity and strength across all positions.
“They are a cohesive and robust team,” Zidane said at the time. “While the forwards — Salah, Mané, Firmino — attract the headlines, the squad functions excellently as a unit. The focus is always on the collective.”
Potential Challenges for Zidane at Anfield
Despite his pedigree, Zidane could face certain challenges if he were to take over at Liverpool. Chief among them is the language barrier — something he has openly discussed in past interviews. While he understands English, he has admitted to not being fully fluent, preferring to communicate directly and clearly with his players.
“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’Équipe in 2022.
Zidane’s managerial experience has been exclusively tied to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed enormous success across two spells. His track record includes three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga triumphs. Since stepping down in 2021, he has been linked with several major roles, including the French national team job once Didier Deschamps’ tenure ends after the 2026 World Cup.
What Comes Next
Whether Liverpool will move for Zidane remains uncertain, but his name being heavily backed by bookmakers indicates how seriously the possibility is being considered. With pressure mounting on Arne Slot and the Reds’ form faltering, any further slip-ups could force the club’s board to make a decisive move.
If Zidane were to take charge, it would mark one of the most high-profile managerial appointments in recent Premier League history — and a fascinating new chapter for both the French icon and Liverpool Football Club.
