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Zinedine Zidane – The Perfect Candidate for Liverpool’s Revival?

As Liverpool stumble through the early stages of what was meant to be a smooth transition under Arne Slot, the question of who could truly restore order has tentatively begun to dominate the discussion. The reds are losing, look uncoordinated and there appears no positives to take from the four games lost consecutively in the Premier League. Results are a nessessity for this historic football club and discussions may well be taking place to see who could potentially right the wrongs of the moment. Among the names mentioned — from Simone Inzaghi to Oliver Glasner — one stands apart both in stature and in success: Zinedine Zidane.

It may sound romantic, even fanciful, but the logic behind the idea is undeniable. In Zidane, Liverpool would find not only a serial winner but a manager capable of managing egos, galvanising stars, and extracting the absolute maximum from world-class players. The respect and excitement would be immediate, with a truly world class icon being a genuine possibility.

Zidane’s Blueprint

During his tenure at Real Madrid, Zidane’s preference for a 4-3-3 system offered both simplicity and superiority. He managed to forge balance within a side bursting with individual brilliance — Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos — and made it all look effortless. Three consecutive Champions League titles and a La Liga crown were the outcome of his calm authority and intuitive understanding of player dynamics. It was a skit taking the limitless talent and finding a way to win, which was done with aplomb.

Zidane’s true genius lies not in over-coaching, but in creating clarity. He knows when to trust his players and when to demand more of his group. Much like the great Carlo Ancelotti. ZZ doesn’t seek tactical revolution; he prioritises functionality and freedom within a trusted structure. That is exactly what Liverpool are missing right now.

Slot’s ideas are admirable — his intent to control possession and dictate rhythm reflects the modern game’s trends — but his players are not adapting and perhaps are not able to understand this concept. The chemistry looks forced, and the expressive instincts that once defined Klopp’s Liverpool now seem suppressed and redundant. Zidane, by contrast, thrives in these environments. He inherits chaos and cultivates calm to extract maximim output.

The Case for Change

Liverpool’s issues extend beyond coaching alone, but it’s impossible to ignore how starkly this squad is underperforming. Despite £450 million spent in the Edwards-Hughes era, the balance is still off and key components are missing. There’s no commanding defensive midfielder in sight, and the progression from the once world-class full-back pairing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson has been difficult to mask.

Fabinho’s departure left a hole that remains unfilled. The midfield now feels technically rich but structurally brittle — and it’s this disconnect that Zidane’s pragmatic approach could repair. His Madrid sides rarely dominated possession, but they always dominated moments. Liverpool, right now, dominate neither.

In a dressing room filled with elite footballers — Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Van Dijk — Zidane’s quiet gravitas could reawaken belief and purpose. His presence alone commands respect, and his record in Europe is unparalleled. Few managers in world football could walk into Anfield and instantly command authority. He is one of them.

A Question of Timing

The challenge, of course, lies in timing. Arne Slot’s project is still in its infancy, and Michael Edwards is unlikely to make any knee-jerk decisions before December. Yet, if the poor run continues, the pressure will mount. Zidane remains unattached, patiently waiting for the right project. Liverpool — with its history, resources, and expectations — fits that definition better than almost any club on Earth.

If Arne Slot cannot course-correct, Zidane may not just be an option — he may be the inevitable solution.

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