Football
Next Liverpool Manager Odds: Arne Slot Under Pressure as former manager set to return?
Despite delivering a Premier League title in his debut season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot is now under mounting pressure following a sharp decline in form, writes Dave James.
Liverpool’s struggles deepened on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup, suffering their sixth defeat in seven matches with a 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace.
Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half for the visitors, before Yeremy Pino added a late third to compound a miserable evening for Reds fans at Anfield. Slot’s side finished the match with ten men after 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The Liverpool boss made ten changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford at the weekend, fielding a youthful and inexperienced line up that failed to cope with Palace’s energy and organisation.
The slump has sparked fresh speculation about his future, and according to the latest odds from the bookies, former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is the frontrunner to make a dramatic return to Anfield.
Klopp is currently priced at 3/1 to take charge of Liverpool once again, leading a long list of potential successors that includes Andoni Iraola at 5/1 and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner at 11/2.
Dave James from Whataretheodds.co.uk commented on the growing speculation, saying:
“The fact that Jurgen Klopp tops the next Liverpool manager market tells you everything about how much his legacy still resonates with fans and the hierarchy alike. His bond with Anfield was special, and there’s a genuine feeling that he could return one day if the circumstances were right.”
Manager Odds Implied Chance Jurgen Klopp 3/1 25% Andoni Iraola 5/1 16.7% Oliver Glasner 11/2 15.4% Steven Gerrard 8/1 11.1% Xavi 9/1 10% Pep Lijnders 10/1 9.1% Unai Emery 12/1 7.7% Julian Nagelsmann 14/1 6.7% Xabi Alonso 16/1 5.9% Roberto De Zerbi 16/1 5.9%
Klopp recently hinted in an interview that he would not rule out a return to Liverpool, adding further fuel to the speculation.
The German spent nine years at the club, delivering both the Premier League and Champions League titles before stepping down earlier this year.
Behind him in the betting, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has caught the eye after an impressive transformation on the south coast.
Priced at 5/1, the Spaniard has taken the Cherries from relegation candidates to European hopefuls. His high energy, pressing football fits neatly with Liverpool’s traditional identity, something that could appeal to the club’s owners.
Dave James added:
“Iraola’s stock is rising fast. What he’s done at Bournemouth has been remarkable, and his tactical philosophy mirrors what Liverpool fans have come to love. If the Reds are looking for continuity in terms of footballing DNA, Iraola would be a serious contender.”
The third favourite is Oliver Glasner at 11/2, who led Crystal Palace to a historic FA Cup win last season.
The Austrian has built a reputation for attacking football and strong player development, having previously guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory.
According to dave, Glasner’s success has not gone unnoticed:
“Glasner has proven he can deliver silverware and style. His FA Cup triumph with Palace was extraordinary, and he’s shown he can compete with the best. If Liverpool are looking for a manager with a winning mentality and modern approach, Glasner fits the bill.”
With Klopp, Iraola, and Glasner leading the early betting, Liverpool’s managerial market is already one of the most closely watched in English football.
While Arne Slot remains in the job, pressure is mounting at Anfield, and as the odds suggest, a managerial shake-up may be closer than many expected.
