Liverpool’s season has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, forcing the club into a position no fan predicted just months ago. After lifting the Premier League trophy earlier in 2025, Arne Slot was hailed as the perfect successor to Jürgen Klopp. His tactical clarity, calm leadership, and fresh ideas looked like the start of a new era at Anfield. But the 2025–26 campaign has unravelled at a worrying pace, with Liverpool struggling for consistency, intensity, and results. The contrast between last season’s triumph and this season’s disappointment has placed Slot under enormous pressure from fans, the media, and—most importantly—the Liverpool board.
The team’s performances in the league have fallen far below expectations, with six defeats recorded before the halfway point. Such a decline has not only weakened Liverpool’s title ambitions but has also raised concerns about whether the squad has stopped responding to Slot’s methods. Dropped points, tactical confusion, and a loss of identity have become recurring themes, leaving supporters frustrated and pundits questioning how things went wrong so quickly. Given Liverpool’s ambition to remain among Europe’s elite, the possibility of a managerial change has now become a serious and unavoidable conversation.
Because of this growing uncertainty, attention has naturally shifted toward potential replacements. Liverpool rarely makes rash decisions, but the club is known for planning ahead. That has led to the emergence of an impressive list of high-profile managers currently without a job—coaches with big reputations, successful histories, and tactical philosophies that could reshape Liverpool’s future. From world champions to Champions League winners, the talent pool available is unusually strong, adding even more pressure on Slot’s position.
Among these options are former England boss Gareth Southgate, ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, Champions League finalist Edin Terzić, and tactical innovators like Thiago Motta. While some names seem unlikely due to style or recent form, they remain part of the wider discussion simply because Liverpool can afford to explore every possible avenue. Each candidate brings a unique identity, ranging from international stability to possession-based systems to high-pressing modern football. The diversity of available managers allows Liverpool to rethink not only who leads the team next, but also what direction the club wants to take tactically.
At the top of the list are the most eye-catching names—Xavi Hernández, Jürgen Klopp, and Zinedine Zidane. Xavi offers a blend of youth, tactical vision, and Barcelona-style football. Klopp’s return, though unlikely, would instantly energize Liverpool, given his legendary status and the memories of the Champions League and Premier League triumphs he delivered. And Zidane, a three-time Champions League-winning coach, stands out as the most decorated free agent in world football. His arrival would signal a dramatic and ambitious move, instantly putting Liverpool back into global headlines.
Altogether, this collection of 11 managerial heavyweights highlights just how serious Liverpool’s situation has become. Slot’s future now hangs in the balance, and while the club remains patient for the moment, the availability of elite coaches means any further slip could lead to a swift decision. With the season approaching crucial fixtures and expectations rising, Liverpool may soon face one of the biggest managerial choices in their recent history.
