A Premier League manager has emerged as the top contender to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool if the Dutchman is dismissed.
Liverpool’s struggles deepened on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace — their sixth loss in seven matches.
Ismaila Sarr netted twice in the first half for Palace, with Yeremy Pino sealing the rout late on. The night went from bad to worse for Liverpool as 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just minutes after coming off the bench.
Slot fielded a heavily rotated and youthful team, making 10 changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford at the weekend. The manager defended his decision, citing a busy fixture schedule, but the result has only intensified criticism from supporters.
Although Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, rarely sack managers — and Slot led the team to a Premier League title last season — speculation over his future is mounting.
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is now the bookmakers’ favourite at 3/1 to take over if a change is made. Glasner has beaten Liverpool three times this season — in the Community Shield, the league, and now the Carabao Cup — making him a familiar and formidable candidate.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is second favourite at 4/1 after guiding his side to second place in the Premier League, while Zinedine Zidane follows at 9/2. The French legend has expressed admiration for Liverpool and Anfield in the past, though his limited English could be a major obstacle.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is also in the frame at 7/1, while former Reds boss Jürgen Klopp — now Red Bull’s global head of football — is rated at 9/1 for a sensational return.
Jose Mourinho, recently appointed Benfica manager, is seen as an outside candidate at 25/1.
Despite the growing noise, Liverpool’s hierarchy are said to be calm for now. Having secured the league title last season and started this campaign strongly, Slot is believed to have credit in the bank. However, with five defeats in their last six games, the pressure is undoubtedly building at Anfield — and Glasner’s name continues to rise in the betting markets.
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