Four Elite Managers in Contention To Replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
Liverpool's season took another worrying turn on Wednesday, as they lost 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace - their fifth consecutive defeat in domestic competitions.
Arne Slot's side had started the season perfectly, winning their first five league games, but now come into this weekend's match against Aston Villa hoping to avoid a fifth straight league defeat.
It has been a monumental collapse for a team that won the league with ease last season, before reinforcing their squad with £450 million worth of new signings.
Both £116 million Florian Wirtz and £125 million Alexander Isak have struggled to settle in attack, while Liverpool have been far too vulnerable defensively.
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Milos Kerkez has endured a difficult start to life at left-back, while neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong have impressed on the right.
With Alisson injured and Virgil van Dijk not looking as imperious as in previous years, the Reds have shown a new level of defensive fragility.
For now, Liverpool's hierarchy are backing Slot to turn things around, but the team face an unenviable run of fixtures before the November international break.
After Aston Villa on Saturday, Liverpool host an in-form Real Madrid before travelling to the Etihad to face Manchester City.
If Liverpool were to lose those games, serious questions will be asked about who could replace Slot.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp, who is currently the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, remains the most obvious replacement.
He is loved by the fans, having won every trophy available at Anfield and having ended the club's 30-year wait for a league title.
In a recent appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, he was asked whether he would consider a return.
Klopp replied: "I said I will never coach a different team in England.
"That means that if it's Liverpool, yeah. Theoretically. I don't even know exactly [what it would take it to return]. I love what I'm doing right now."
Oliver Glasner
Wednesday's victory means Crystal Palace have now beaten Liverpool three times this season.
Glasner also has prior experience of winning silverware, lifting the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, before guiding Palace to their first major trophy with the FA Cup.
His contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2026, although he has voiced frustration over the club's summer transfer policy.
Glasner could also bring key players to Anfield, such as Palace captain Marc Guehi, with the Englishman's contract set to expire next summer.
Andoni Iraola
Iraola has impressed at AFC Bournemouth since taking over in 2023.
Last season, Bournemouth achieved their highest league finish and points total ever, as they finished ninth with 56 points.
Despite losing his goalkeeper and three defenders during the summer, the Cherries have started the season strongly and currently sit second after nine games.
Iraola's attacking style of play would also suit Liverpool perfectly.
Zinedine Zidane
The Frenchman has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.
In Spain, Zidane won three consecutive Champions Leagues, and he also has experience managing a dressing room full of big names.
He has previously spoken well of Liverpool, describing Anfield as one of his favourite stadiums, although his level of English is limited.
Zidane is expected to take the French national team job following next summer's World Cup, but a good offer from Liverpool could tempt him back to club football.
Topics: Liverpool, Arne Slot, Premier League, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane
James Taylor