Glasner among candidates as scrutiny grows on Klopp successor Slot at Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent victory over West Ham United may have eased some tension around Arne Slot, but uncertainty still hangs over the manager appointed to build on the era shaped by Jurgen Klopp. The 2-0 win lifted spirits but did little to disguise a difficult stretch of results that has left the champions in a position few anticipated at this stage of the campaign.
Despite lifting the Premier League title last season, Liverpool now sit eighth after 13 matchweeks, collecting just 21 points. With six defeats in their last eight league fixtures and nine losses across their previous 13 in all competitions, external noise has grown louder. The questions are no longer about form alone, but about whether Slot can steer this squad back towards the standards set before his arrival.
A trio of Premier League coaches – Oliver Glasner, Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola – have emerged in recent days as potential future options should Liverpool’s hierarchy feel compelled to act.
Glasner impresses but faces stylistic doubts
Glasner’s work at Crystal Palace continues to earn widespread respect, with an FA Cup triumph last season and a strong start to their Conference League campaign providing clear evidence of progress. Palace’s defensive record is among the best in the division, with only Arsenal losing fewer games and no side outside north London conceding fewer goals.
However, the Austrian’s approach raises legitimate questions about how well he would adapt at a club that expects to dominate the ball. Palace operate with one of the lowest possession figures in the Premier League, thriving in transitional moments and embracing the underdog role that Liverpool rarely occupy. While he is widely regarded as a sharp tactician with a successful track record at both Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt, the leap to a side tasked with controlling matches every week represents a substantial shift.
Moreover, Glasner has repeatedly stated that his back-three system stems from tailoring his setup to the strengths of Palace’s squad – a detail that leaves uncertainty over whether he would, or could, implement something entirely different at Anfield.
Iraola’s energy attracts interest but raises similar questions
Iraola’s Bournemouth have also earned admirers for their high-intensity approach. They press aggressively, seek vertical opportunities early and generally insist on a frenetic tempo that unsettles opponents. His attacking concepts are often seen as more varied than those of Glasner, with greater emphasis on fluidity and combinations in transition.
Still, the same tactical issue emerges: Liverpool rarely play in open contests where space is easily accessed. Bournemouth’s strongest performances have typically come in games where they see little of the ball, inviting pressure before breaking forward. Translating that blueprint to a possession-heavy environment at Anfield would require substantial adaptation. While Iraola’s touchlines are marked by ambition and dynamism, it remains unclear whether his methodology would deliver consistent control at a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Emery’s pedigree appeals but doubts linger over fit
Emery’s name being linked to Liverpool raised eyebrows, yet his achievements at Aston Villa cannot be dismissed. Since taking over a side battling at the wrong end of the table in 2022-23, he guided Villa into Europe, then into the Champions League and maintained competitive form across multiple competitions.
His trophy record, notably in the Europa League, is among the best in modern European football. Yet stylistic concerns and his previous difficulties at Arsenal temper expectations. Emery’s sides thrive in reactive scenarios, organising themselves superbly without the ball and striking when opportunities arise. As with Glasner and Iraola, the question is not about quality, but about compatibility – Liverpool’s identity, shaped for years under Klopp, is built on assertiveness, control and territorial dominance.
Outside contenders emerge as long-term considerations
Liverpool’s board are not believed to be preparing an imminent change, but responsible planning requires awareness of potential successors. Figures such as Julian Nagelsmann and Cesc Fabregas have been quietly discussed within wider tactical circles. Nagelsmann’s adaptability and front-foot philosophy naturally attract curiosity, while Fabregas has impressed with his early work at Como, earning praise for an expansive approach that aligns with what Liverpool supporters expect.
Slot, however, remains intent on steadying the ship. After delivering the title in his debut campaign, he retains the belief of key figures, but the winter schedule looms large. His immediate challenge is to build on the West Ham performance and avoid damaging setbacks, starting with the midweek meeting against Sunderland. Stability will depend on results, and the coming weeks may define whether Liverpool stay committed to the project – or are forced to explore alternatives more seriously.
