Liverpool in Crisis: Jurgen Klopp Emerges as Shock Favourite to Replace Arne Slot
Liverpool’s recent slump has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, with the club now facing intense scrutiny after a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. This loss, the heaviest under current manager Arne Slot, has left the Reds with just one victory in their last seven league games, a worrying record for a club that had title aspirations this season. Despite splashing £450 million in the summer transfer window to strengthen the squad, Liverpool finds itself languishing in the bottom half of the table after only 11 matches—a dramatic fall from grace for pre-season favourites.
While the club has publicly indicated patience with Slot, the pressure is undeniably mounting. Slot, who lifted the Premier League title in his first season, now faces questions over his ability to turn around a team that appeared unstoppable just months ago. The uncertainty has sparked intense speculation over his future, and bookmakers have already started naming potential successors should Liverpool decide to make a managerial change.
In a surprising twist, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the favourite to return to Anfield. Klopp, who left the club in May 2024 citing fatigue after nearly nine successful seasons, won every major trophy during his tenure. Since stepping down, he has taken on a high-profile role as the Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, overseeing the strategic development of their club network. Yet, in a recent interview on The Diary of a CEO, Klopp hinted that a return to Liverpool remains a theoretical possibility, stating: “I said I will never coach a different team in England so that means, if [I did return], then it’s Liverpool.”
Other managerial candidates are also being considered. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who led the Eagles to an FA Cup triumph last year and boasts a strong record against Liverpool, is second favourite with odds of 5/1. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, praised for guiding his team to ninth place last season despite key departures, is also in contention. High-profile names such as Unai Emery, Julian Nagelsmann, Diego Simeone, and Zinedine Zidane round out the list of potential replacements, highlighting the depth of talent Liverpool could draw from if it opts for a managerial change.
As the Premier League season progresses, Liverpool’s next move will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Whether Slot can arrest the club’s decline or whether Klopp—or another high-profile coach—returns to restore the Reds’ dominance, the coming weeks promise to be defining for Liverpool’s future.
