Liverpool are reportedly considering their options should they decide to part ways with Arne Slot, with one boss emerging as bookmakers’ favourite to replace the under-pressure manager
Liverpool are still smarting from a dismal showing against Aston Villa and the ensuing chaos that unfolded away from it.
Mohamed Salah’s explosive social media post, in which he took aim at falling standards at Liverpool and seemingly hit out at manager Arne Slot, has heaped additional pressure on the Reds’ manager. The reigning Premier League champions slumped to their 20th loss of the campaign against Unai Emery’s outfit on Friday, meaning they can finish no higher than fifth and are yet to confirm that position or Champions League football next season.
Since then, demands for the Dutch manager’s dismissal have grown increasingly loud. While Slot was understood to retain the support of club owners Fenway Sports Group there have been whispers of division within the Liverpool hierarchy regarding his future following the latest setback. Now a frontrunner to succeed the embattled Slot, should he be shown the door this summer, has come to light. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Arne Slot update
According to TEAMtalk, there is a split at Anfield as not everyone operating behind the scenes is “aligned behind the idea that Slot should definitely stay”.
The claim of a rift at the club follows Salah’s incendiary message on Saturday, which criticised Liverpool’s displays this term. “Edwards and Hughes have some serious thinking and talking to do,” the outlet reported.
According to TEAMtalk “the situation with Slot is escalating at a pace” and “not everyone internally is aligned behind the idea that he should definitely stay”.
The report continues: “The ownership absolutely recognise this is becoming a very concerning situation.” TEAMtalk added: “Salah’s comments hit home in a massive way. Internally, there’s actually a lot of sympathy towards what he said, and people at the club understand why he voiced those frustrations.”
The report also claims Liverpool have drawn up a shortlist to replace Slot. This reportedly includes Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Al-Ahli’s German coach Matthias Jaissle and outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
World-class manager favourite for Liverpool job
However, if the bookmakers’ latest odds are anything to go by, then the Reds’ shortlist could be poised to gain another candidate, reports the Mirror.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique is preparing his team for their second straight Champions League final, which will unfold at the end of the month against Arsenal.
The two-time Champions League victor claimed two crowns at Barcelona, the European Cup and a collection of domestic honours. He has secured three Ligue 1 titles with Paris, alongside the Champions League and two Coupe de France trophies, among other silverware.
However, a significant hurdle could be the whispers that the 56-year-old Spaniard is reportedly keen on prolonging his tenure at Parc de Princes until 2030.
With Slot still occupying the Liverpool hot seat, such talk remains purely speculative, but bookies appear to think the world-class manager could be a dead cert for the role should the Dutchman lose his job.
According to Sky Bet, the odds on the next Liverpool boss are as follows:
Luis Enrique – 7/2
Andoni Iraola – 4/1
Sebastian Hoeness – 9/2
Julian Nagelsmann – 6/1
Jurgen Klopp – 17/2
Oliver Glasner – 9/1
Marco Silva – 10/1
Unai Emery – 10/1
Zinedine Zidane – 12/1