Arne Slott’s time at Anfield is being scrutinised. After a dream debut season that saw Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy in 2025, the 2025/26 campaign has been a stark contrast.
After a string of poor performances, including a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the Reds are fighting to salvage their Champions League campaign next year.
As speculation mounts that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) could make a management change, several high-profile names are being floated as possible takeovers.
Here’s a look at the top three Liverpool managers should consider replacing Slot at Anfield.
1. Xabi Alonso: Prodigal Son Returns?
Xabi Alonso remains the undisputed favorite to take over if Slot is dismissed.
The former Liverpool midfielder was heavily tipped for a role when Jurgen Klopp left in 2024, but opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen before eventually moving to Real Madrid.
Alonso is currently a free agent after parting ways with Real Madrid in January 2026 following a difficult seven-month stay at the Bernabeu.
He knows the club inside out and already has the support of the Anfield faithful. Although his agent recently dismissed rumors that a verbal deal was already in place, reports suggest that Alonso is ready for a move and represents a seamless appointment, which the board likes.
2. Julian Nagelsmann: Blueprint for “Klopp 2.0”
While Alonso brings emotional weight, many football commentators point to Julian Nagelsmann as a strategic fit for Liverpool’s current squad.
Nagelsmann is currently in charge of the German national team, boasting a strong win percentage and a wealth of European experience at the top level from his time at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
If FSG want to return to the high-pressure, pressing formations that defined Jurgen Klopp’s era, Nagelsmann is the right candidate.
His energetic style of play would be the perfect antidote to the slow, overworked play that fans have criticized under Slot this season.
3. Steven Gerrard: Emergency Moment
If Liverpool’s domestic and European form completely collapses, the board could decide to pull the trigger before the end of the season.
In such an emergency, club legend Steven Gerrard has emerged in recent days as a shocking interim option.
Rumors suggest Gerrard is being eyed for a temporary appointment to steer the ship until the end of the 2025/26 season while the club prepares a permanent replacement.
Even though his managerial record has been heavily scrutinized since his time at Aston Villa,
Gerrard’s presence would instantly galvanize frustrated fans and lift the spirit of the dressing room for a late-season push in the Premier League.
Liverpool have won the race for a versatile defender as months of work paid off
