Zinedine Zidane has once again become a major talking point in the football world after his past comments about Liverpool and Anfield resurfaced online, fuelling speculation that he could be in line to replace Arne Slot as the club’s manager.
Just weeks ago, everything appeared to be going according to plan for Slot and Liverpool. After opening the 2025/26 season with seven straight victories in all competitions, the Reds looked sharp, confident, and in control. However, a disastrous run of form has since derailed their momentum — with four consecutive Premier League defeats and a disappointing Champions League loss to Galatasaray leaving fans frustrated and anxious about the team’s direction.
Their recent 3–2 defeat to Brentford has intensified pressure on Slot, sparking widespread debate about whether he remains the right man to lead Liverpool forward. As a result, bookmakers have begun adjusting the odds on potential successors — and Zidane’s name has quickly risen to the top of the conversation.
Zidane’s Odds Shorten Amid Liverpool Uncertainty
According to Betfair, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner currently leads the betting at 3/1, followed by Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola at 4/1. Zinedine Zidane is now the third favourite at 9/2, ahead of Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann (7/1), while a dramatic return for Jurgen Klopp sits at 9/1.
Zidane, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, remains one of the most respected figures in world football. With three Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns to his name, he boasts an unmatched record of success at the highest level — making him an appealing option for any elite club in transition.
Zidane’s Admiration for Liverpool and Anfield
What has added fuel to the rumours are Zidane’s own past comments about Liverpool, which have resurfaced on social media and gone viral among fans. The French icon has openly spoken about his admiration for the club and its iconic stadium.
“Liverpool. I also remember Manchester United,” Zidane said when asked by Real Madrid’s official YouTube channel about his favourite grounds to visit. “Anfield is one of the best stadiums to play in.”
In 2021, before Real Madrid faced Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final, Zidane also praised Jürgen Klopp’s side, calling them a “complete team.”
“They’re a complete team,” he said. “People talk about their front three, and yes, they’re excellent, but I think their real strength is how solid they are as a unit. We’ll need to stay alert.”
Those remarks have resurfaced at a time when Liverpool fans are beginning to dream about what Zidane could bring to the club, should he ever take the Anfield hot seat.
The Language Barrier Question
Despite the growing excitement, Zidane has acknowledged in the past that one of his main reservations about managing in England is the language barrier. In a 2022 interview with L’Équipe, he said:
“I understand English, but I don’t fully master it. I know some coaches go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently.”
This personal stance has previously ruled him out of Premier League roles, including the Manchester United job, as he prefers full fluency to ensure clear communication with his players and staff.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
For now, Arne Slot remains in charge, but the mounting pressure and the team’s poor form have placed his position under close scrutiny. Should Liverpool’s struggles continue, the possibility of a managerial change could become increasingly realistic — and Zidane, with his elite credentials and admiration for the club, would certainly be among the most high-profile candidates available.
Whether Zidane would finally consider a move to England remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his glowing words about Liverpool and Anfield have reignited speculation and hope among fans dreaming of seeing the French legend on the Anfield touchline.
