Anfield Index
·21 février 2026
Bundesliga head coach tipped to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool

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·21 février 2026

Credit to Anfield Watch for sparking a debate that feels both premature and inevitable. In football, time moves quickly, and patience rarely lingers. The suggestion that “Arne Slot could be replaced by the next Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool” lands with force because it touches a nerve.
Slot’s position remains precarious. As the original report states, “You don’t go on a run of nine defeats in 12 games and not be under fire at Liverpool.” That sequence has framed the conversation around his tenure. A 50% win record across 2025, followed by the same return in 2026 so far, does not align with the club’s ambitions. Liverpool’s Champions League spot is still under threat, and the article rightly notes, “If the Reds do not qualify for the Champions League, it’s difficult to envision a future with Slot as head-coach of the club.”
Even if qualification is secured, silverware matters. At Anfield, progress is measured in trophies and trajectory. The claim that “Slot will not be the long-term manager at Anfield” may feel speculative, yet the unease is tangible. Questions about his approach, particularly against deep defensive blocks, have lingered. The sense that change could be inevitable stems from performance levels rather than emotion.

Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool have been here before, standing at crossroads that shape eras. The yearning for Klopp’s return is natural, but football rarely indulges nostalgia. Instead, attention turns to succession.
Enter Sebastian Hoeness, described as a promising young manager regarded as the next Klopp in Germany. His journey from early retirement to coaching prominence has been deliberate. After guiding Bayern Munich II, he steadied Hoffenheim with consecutive mid table finishes. His defining chapter, however, has unfolded at Stuttgart.
When Hoeness arrived in April 2023, Stuttgart were in the relegation zone. He preserved their status, then reshaped their identity. Last season delivered a Europa League place, punctuated by a 4-1 away win against Celtic. This campaign, Stuttgart sit fourth in the Bundesliga, pushing for Champions League qualification.
At 43, Hoeness has demonstrated clarity of vision and a commitment to progressive football. The comparison to Jurgen Klopp, particularly his work at Mainz and Dortmund, speaks to trajectory rather than imitation.
Liverpool’s hierarchy will weigh risk against renewal. Hoeness represents potential, a manager capable of shaping rather than maintaining. “In many ways, he seems like the perfect fit for Liverpool,” the article concludes. That may be premature, but the logic is compelling.
Clubs of Liverpool’s stature rarely drift for long. If Slot cannot restore certainty, attention will shift decisively. Whether Hoeness is destined for Anfield remains to be seen, but succession planning has already begun in the minds of supporters.
From a supporter’s perspective, this report triggers both intrigue and caution. Slot’s struggles are undeniable, particularly against low blocks where creativity has felt blunt. Yet replacing a manager after a turbulent spell carries risk. Liverpool’s structure, recruitment strategy, and dressing room harmony must align with any incoming coach.
Hoeness is fascinating. Lifting Stuttgart from relegation danger to European contention suggests tactical intelligence and motivational strength. Fans will admire that 4-1 win over Celtic, proof his side can perform on significant nights. His age also fits Liverpool’s modern preference for energetic, progressive thinkers.
However, Germany is not Merseyside. The Premier League’s intensity, scrutiny, and pace test even the most gifted coaches. Supporters would want reassurance that Hoeness can translate style into sustained results.
Ultimately, this feels less about replacing Slot tomorrow and more about safeguarding Liverpool’s long term direction. If change comes, it must be strategic, not reactive. For now, the debate underscores expectations at Anfield, where mediocrity is never tolerated for long.









































