Journalist names seven managers who could replace Arne Slot at Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Faith in Arne Slot Unshaken Despite Poor Run

Liverpool’s hierarchy remains fully supportive of Arne Slot despite the club’s worst domestic run in years. According to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, there is “100 per cent faith” in the Dutchman, even after a sequence that has seen the Premier League champions lose five of their last six league games and fall eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

Slot, who guided Liverpool to the 2024/25 Premier League title in his debut season, is now navigating the most testing spell of his Anfield reign. In his recent press conference, the 46-year-old notably “did not shut down suggestions he was in talks over a new deal,” a sign that those at the top remain confident he can steady the ship and rebuild momentum.

Managerial Speculation a Thought Experiment, Not Reality

Amid the ongoing discussions, Steele stresses that talk of potential successors is purely hypothetical: “For the avoidance of any doubt, Liverpool have 100 per cent faith in Arne Slot and that has not decreased at all amid the recent tricky run of form.”

However, fans and pundits alike have inevitably indulged in a “fun thought experiment” of who might replace Slot if results were to continue spiralling. When Jürgen Klopp announced his exit in 2023, several names emerged as possible heirs to the Anfield throne. These included Sebastian Hoeness (Stuttgart), Roberto De Zerbi (then Brighton, now Marseille), Michel (Girona), Ernesto Valverde (Athletic Bilbao) and Luciano Spalletti (then Italy, now Juventus).

Photo: IMAGO

They were joined on an extended longlist by Ruben Amorim, now at Man United, and Slot himself, the eventual choice. Should Liverpool ever revisit that process, many of those names could return to the discussion.

Rising Managers Who Could Fit the Liverpool Mould

Beyond that original shortlist, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are highlighted as “brilliant managers”, while Iraola’s former No 2, Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano, is “well-liked in the industry.” Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane remains unattached, and Vincent Kompany could one day fancy another Premier League challenge, “though likely with Manchester City.”

Yet the final word in Steele’s article feels decisive: “But I ask you this, which one of them is better than Slot? Exactly.”

That rhetorical question encapsulates Liverpool’s stance. Despite the frustration of recent results, Slot’s tactical intelligence, calm authority, and long-term vision still resonate deeply within the club’s leadership. There is no appetite for panic, only patience and perspective.

Slot’s Standing Still Strong

Slot’s early months brought tactical fluidity, unity, and a title triumph that many considered improbable. His credibility among players and staff remains intact. Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, view him as central to their project of sustained competitiveness, ensuring that short-term turbulence will not derail long-term plans.

Fans may be restless, but Anfield’s inner circle sees this as a correction, not a collapse. A few key wins could flip the narrative again, reminding everyone that Slot has already proved he can handle the heat of English football’s most demanding job.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s situation invites fierce debate, but perspective is crucial. Yes, results have dipped, but Slot’s debut season delivered a league title and revived belief after Klopp’s emotional exit. Losing five of six matches feels alarming, yet context matters: injuries, fixture congestion, and adapting to life as defending champions have all played a part.

Fans are right to ask questions, but any talk of replacing Slot feels premature. If Liverpool were to make a change, only a select few would realistically fit the club’s identity. Michel and Hoeness share the tactical intelligence Liverpool value. Spalletti offers experience, and De Zerbi, now in France, still commands respect for his bold attacking philosophy.

However, none clearly outshine Slot. His work ethic, composure under pressure, and alignment with the club’s data-driven model make him ideal for the modern Anfield structure. The real challenge lies in player form and squad evolution, not managerial quality.

In truth, Liverpool’s faith is well placed. Slot has already built the foundation for another cycle of success, and with time, he could yet prove this slump to be nothing more than a brief stumble on the road to renewal.