A week is a long time in football, but a year is an eternity. Just six months ago, Liverpool fans were celebrating a Premier League title in Arne Slot’s debut season.
Today, the mood at Anfield is unrecognisable. Despite a summer spending spree that brought Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike to Merseyside, the Reds find themselves 4th in the table and a staggering 14 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
While the club’s hierarchy, led by Michael Edwards, has publicly backed the Dutchman, the “Couldn’t Fetch” energy surrounding their recent performances suggests a change might be closer than we think. If the spiral continues, who is actually in the frame to take over the most prestigious seat in English football?
Using the latest odds and insider reports, we’ve broken down the top 16 candidates to be the next Liverpool manager.
16. Mauricio Pochettino (25/1)
The current United States head coach is a rank outsider, but his Premier League pedigree at Spurs and Chelsea cannot be ignored. While he is focused on the 2026 World Cup, the allure of the reigning English champions might be enough to turn his head for a sensational return to club football.
15. Diego Simeone (16/1)
The Atletico Madrid legend has been in Spain since 2011. While his defensive “Cholo-ismo” might clash with the Anfield tradition of attacking flair, there is no denying he is a serial winner who would instantly fix Liverpool’s leaky defence.
14. Brendan Rodgers (16/1)
A name that would cause a stir. Rodgers almost led the Reds to the title in 2014 and is currently back at Celtic. A return would be the ultimate “second chance,” though many fans believe this is one chapter that should stay closed.
13. Cesc Fabregas (16/1)
The “Wildcard.” Fabregas is doing wonders at Como in Serie A, sitting 6th in the table. He is the most talked-about young coach in Europe right now. Is it too early for him? Perhaps, but his tactical innovation has caught Michael Edwards’ eye.
12. Xavi (14/1)
Currently a free agent after his Barcelona exit, Xavi’s possession-heavy style is a perfect stylistic match for the current Liverpool squad. He has already expressed an interest in managing in England.
11. Simone Inzaghi (14/1)
After a historic run with Inter Milan, Inzaghi moved to the Saudi Pro League in 2025. However, reports suggest he is already missing the European elite. His 3-5-2 system would be a massive change for Liverpool, but his results are undeniable.
10. Marco Silva (14/1)
Silva has turned Fulham into a consistent top-half threat. He is “Premier League proven” and plays the brand of attacking football that fits the Anfield mold. With his contract expiring this summer, he represents a cost-effective option.
9. Zinedine Zidane (12/1)
The man who won three Champions Leagues in a row. Zidane is the ultimate “Player’s Manager.” If Liverpool want to convince Mohamed Salah to stay and Wirtz to find his form, Zidane is the biggest name they could hire.
8. Steven Gerrard (12/1)
The King of the Kop. Gerrard is a free agent and looking for a way back into management. While his time at Villa was tough, his connection to the fans is a powerful tool that could unify a fractured dressing room.
7. Unai Emery (10/1)
The “Master of Europe.” Emery has made Aston Villa a Champions League regular. While he is an outsider for the job, his tactical preparation is world-class. However, his “underdog” style might not sit well with the expectations of a title-defending side.
6. Oliver Glasner (15/2)
Glasner has been a “thorn in the side” for Arne Slot, beating him three times recently. His work at Crystal Palace—including an FA Cup and Community Shield win—makes him the most logical Premier League appointment.
5. Andoni Iraola (7/1)
The Bournemouth boss is playing some of the most exciting football in England. His high-intensity press is “Klopp-lite” and would suit the current roster of dynamic wide men like Luis Diaz and Ekitike.
4. Julian Nagelsmann (6/1)
Nagelsmann is the technical choice. He already knows how to get the best out of Florian Wirtz from the German national team. He is young, innovative, and perfectly fits the “FSG Model.”
3. Luis Enrique (6/1)
Reports of Enrique wanting to leave PSG have propelled him up the odds list. He is a high-pedigree winner who would demand total discipline—something this Liverpool team looks to be lacking right now.
2. Jurgen Klopp (11/2)
The most sensational rumour in football. Klopp recently admitted a return to Liverpool is “theoretically possible.” If the club truly hits rock bottom, the board might make the call that every fan is dreaming of.
1. Xabi Alonso (5/4)
The undisputed favourite. Since leaving Real Madrid, Alonso has been waiting for the right project. He is an Anfield legend, a tactical genius, and the man 90% of fans want to see in the dugout. With his availability confirmed, Slot’s seat has never been hotter.