Liverpool are searching for a new manager after sacking Arne Slot following a disastrous Premier League title defence.
With Slot ruthlessly dismissed, one parting gift was that the new coach will have Champions League football, with the Dutch coach able to navigate a testing finale to the campaign despite a challenge to hold onto a top-five finish, though they fell by 24 points from the peak of the title-winning season.
Ultimately, the Reds decided the team needed to evolve and made what is understood to be an extremely difficult decision for the club, with a debt of gratitude for delivering a Premier League title just 12 months ago.
Now attention turns to a market with options, but one clear candidate might have been Xabi Alonso, though the former Liverpool midfielder, sacked by Real Madrid in January, ultimately opted to join Chelsea with the decision over Slot yet to be finalised earlier this month.
“That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful,” read a club statement. “As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.”
Here are the contenders to become Liverpool’s new manager after a seismic decision from the Reds on the day of the Champions League final:
Andoni Iraola
A wonderful job at Bournemouth, clinching Europa League football with a sixth-place finish off the back of a remarkable 18-game unbeaten streak to conclude the season. Iraola also adapted to key exits last summer, with the Spanish boss now eager to try a new challenge. And Liverpool could offer a step up for Iraola, who could bring a new look to Anfield, with his tactical versatility.
Sebastian Hoeness
The Stuttgart boss has quickly become one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe. Fourth place in the Bundesliga confirmed Champions League qualification and the next step could be Anfield.
The credentials are there from a football philosophy point of view, with possession highly coveted, though some may draw comparisons with his emphasis on pressing, too, or ‘heavy metal’ style that Mohamed Salah pushed for in his fiery statement earlier this month, likely to be appreciated at Anfield.
Julian Nagelsmann
Occupied with Germany at the World Cup, but a manager, despite his age, at just 38 years old, who has immense experience and a clear identity. That could be tweaked and honed at Anfield. Long since linked with Premier League jobs, could Liverpool be the right fit now after Germany’s involvement in USA, Canada and Mexico?
Jurgen Klopp
Still a premature time to make his triumphant return, presumably, but Klopp would create immense excitement and allow fans to dream of an immediate return to contention for the top prizes in the game.
Steven Gerrard
Could the Reds opt for their legendary ex-captain to rally the club? Gerrard has been without a club since leaving Al-Ettifaq last year and is short of credentials as a manager, though his aura around Anfield could inspire the change required after the malaise set in under Slot.
Next Liverpool manager odds
Andoni Iraola – 6/4
Sebastian Hoeness – 4/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 13/2
Luis Enrique – 8/1
Oliver Glasner – 9/1
Jurgen Klopp – 9/1
Unai Emery – 11/1
Steven Gerrard – 12/1
