Liverpool next manager odds as clear favourite to replace Arne Slot emerges

A clear favourite has emerged to succeed Arne Slot at Anfield after the Dutchman was sacked on Saturday (May 30).

Liverpool confirmed Slot's departure and thanked him for his efforts during his time at Anfield, which saw the Reds win just their second Premier League title – their 20th top-flight crown, including Division One titles.

Despite lifting the Premier League trophy last term, the Reds struggled for results during the 2025/26 campaign, finishing fifth and failing to win any silverware.

Not only did their league position reflect a disappointing season, but the general consensus among the fanbase was that the football had become "boring", with many, including Mohamed Salah, calling for a return to the intense, exciting "heavy metal football" seen under Slot's predecessor, Jürgen Klopp.

In a statement posted on social media earlier in May, Salah said: "I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies."

Of course, Salah also spoke out against Slot on multiple occasions, including after he was benched for a Premier League match against Leeds United in December.

Who will be Liverpool's next head coach?

According to Oddschecker, departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is the favourite to replace Slot in the dugout, with odds of 1/20.

The Spaniard guided the Cherries to a sixth-place finish last term and, in doing so, secured Europa League football for the south coast club for the first time in their history.

The 43-year-old, who previously coached AEK Larnaca, Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano, has been the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace and AC Milan in recent days, although an approach from Liverpool may prove difficult to turn down.

Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß is second on the list at odds of 5/1, with the German guiding his side to the DFB-Pokal final in 2026 after winning the trophy in 2025.

The 44-year-old also helped his side finish fourth in the Bundesliga this term.

Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner completes the top three, although he is expected to complete a move to AC Milan this week. The Austrian is 10/1 to become Liverpool's next head coach.

Lens boss Pierre Sage also returns odds of 10/1 after guiding the Ligue 1 side to a second-place finish, as well as winning the Coupe de France.

Next permanent Liverpool manager odds

Andoni Iraola — 1/20

Sebastian Hoeneß — 5/1

Oliver Glasner — 10/1

Pierre Sage — 10/1

Luis Enrique — 12/1

Steven Gerrard — 14/1

Unai Emery — 16/1

Julian Nagelsmann — 20/1

Jürgen Klopp — 20/1

Xavi — 25/1

Marco Silva — 25/1

Simone Inzaghi — 25/1

Zinedine Zidane — 25/1

Diego Simeone — 28/1

Ange Postecoglou — 40/1

Carlo Ancelotti — 40/1

Gareth Southgate — 50/1

Brendan Rodgers — 50/1

Eddie Howe — 66/1

Roberto Martínez — 66/1

Julen Lopetegui — 66/1

Thomas Tuchel — 66/1

Liverpool owners’ statement on Slot sacking

“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.

“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.

“From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.

“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.

“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.

“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

“Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.

“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”