Liverpool have begun their hunt for a new manager after the sacking of Arne Slot, following what turned out to be a disastrous defence of their Premier League title.

Despite the abrupt decision, Slot’s final contribution ensured that Liverpool will still compete in the Champions League next season. The Dutch coach managed to guide the team through a testing end to the campaign and secure a top-five finish, although the Reds finished 24 points behind their title-winning tally from the previous season.

The club hierarchy ultimately decided that the team required a fresh direction, leading to what has been described as a very tough call. The management expressed deep appreciation for Slot’s work, especially for bringing the Premier League trophy to Anfield just a year ago.

Attention now turns to the managerial market, where several potential candidates have emerged. One of the front-runners was thought to be Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder who was dismissed by Real Madrid in January. However, Alonso opted to join Chelsea earlier this month before the Reds’ decision on Slot had been finalised.

In a statement, the club said: “That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful. As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.”

Here are the leading candidates to succeed Arne Slot after Liverpool’s dramatic move — announced on the same weekend as the Champions League final:

Some betting companies have already suspended wagers on Andoni Iraola taking the helm at Anfield, with his appointment widely believed to be almost certain. The Spanish manager has impressed at Bournemouth, steering the club to a sixth-place finish and Europa League qualification, thanks to an extraordinary 18-match unbeaten run to close out the season. Despite losing key players last summer, Iraola’s adaptability and tactical variety have stood out, and Liverpool could represent the next big step in his managerial journey.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart’s manager has also caught the eye, emerging as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. A fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga ensured Champions League football for the German club, and his possession-based philosophy has drawn praise. His high-intensity pressing game has even been likened to the ‘heavy metal’ approach that Mohamed Salah publicly admired earlier this month — a style that would no doubt resonate with Anfield supporters.

Julian Nagelsmann, currently managing Germany at the World Cup, is another name in the mix. Despite being just 38 years old, Nagelsmann already possesses vast experience and a well-defined tactical identity. With Germany set to complete their campaign across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, speculation continues over whether a move to Anfield could follow.

There is also talk of a potential fairytale return for Jürgen Klopp. Though it may be too soon after his emotional exit two years ago, his comeback would undoubtedly ignite excitement among fans. Klopp, now serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football since 2024, might find the timing premature but remains a sentimental favourite among supporters.

Steven Gerrard, the club’s iconic former captain, is another candidate being discussed. Currently without a team since his departure from Al-Ettifaq last year, Gerrard’s managerial résumé remains modest. However, his deep connection with Liverpool and aura at Anfield could provide the emotional lift needed after the stagnation seen under Slot.

Oliver Glasner, who recently departed Crystal Palace after leading them to Conference League glory, is also available. His achievements have been remarkable, delivering arguably the greatest moment in Palace’s history. Still, questions remain about whether his style and stature would mesh well with Liverpool’s star-studded dressing room, particularly if early results were to falter.