Liverpool are facing early turbulence this season, and pressure is beginning to mount on manager Arne Slot. Alongside the team’s underwhelming form, the club is also dealing with the latest in a series of contract complications.
Despite the current uncertainty, Slot continues to hold the backing of the board. However, reports indicate that Liverpool had already identified several alternatives during the initial search before appointing the Dutchman — and those names have resurfaced as speculation grows.
Potential Successors Under Consideration
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool’s hierarchy had originally explored the possibility of approaching Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge at Marseille. Other names said to have been on the club’s radar include Girona’s Michel, Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, and former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, now at Juventus.
The report also mentions Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as figures worth monitoring, while Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez has been highlighted as a rising manager attracting interest across Europe.
Zinedine Zidane, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is also referenced. However, previous indications suggest he is not keen on a move to the Premier League. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was another name informally linked, though his long-term future appears more aligned with a potential return to Manchester City should Pep Guardiola eventually depart.
A Troubled Title Defense
Liverpool’s defense of their Premier League crown has unravelled rapidly. A 3–0 loss to Manchester City marked their second consecutive defeat heading into the international break, following their September setback against Crystal Palace.
After 11 matches, Slot’s team sit eighth in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal. Although brief signs of progress appeared in wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, the heavy defeat to City has renewed doubts about the team’s direction.
With pressure rising, Slot has reportedly put any conversations about a possible title challenge on hold as he focuses on stabilizing the squad and regaining momentum
