The latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot faces pressure for Liverpool’s poor start to the season while the Reds are facing another contract stand-off
Liverpool’s title defence has gone from bad to worse so far this season. The Reds 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City was the second defeat in a row that preceded the international break, following their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in September.
With 11 games played, Arne Slot’s side are left eighth in the table and are already eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. The Reds had looked like they had turned a corner with back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid but now find themselves back where they started.
Reds’ boss Arne Slot now finds himself facing more pressure following Sunday’s hammering at City. The outcome means the Dutchman has even shelved any talk of a title challenge for now.
With a tentative shortlist reportedly drawn up should Slot lose his job and a contract dilemma on the horizon for Liverpool, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news from Anfield.
Slot replacement shortlist
While Slot continues to have the backing of the Liverpool hierarchy, a shortlist of contenders that could take his place should he lose his job at Anfield has materialised.
READ MORE: Liverpool owners FSG ‘suddenly pull out of £114m deal’ due to two concernsREAD MORE: Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa nightmare, loan clause and chance of Liverpool return
According to the Daily Mail, prior to Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) decision to hire the Premier League-winning Dutchman, they entertained moves for the likes of Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and former Brighton, and now Marseille coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
Michel from Girona, Ernesto Valverde of Athletic Bilbao and Luciano Spalletti, then of Italy and now the Juventus boss were also considered.
The report also namechecks Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as names of interest. Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano is also mentioned as a manager who has gained traction in the footballing world for his coaching prowess.
French icon Zinedine Zidane, who has been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 is also mentioned. However Zidane has reportedly distanced himself from managing in the Premier League in the past.
Vincent Kompany, who is currently performing well with Bayern Munich, was another candidate mentioned although a move to City in the future, should Pep Guardiola leave the club, is much more likely.
Triple contract issue
Just months on after resolving the long-running contract stand-offs with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool look to be facing a fresh battle on that front.
Current deals for the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominic Szoboszlai are coming to a head with the Premier League title-winners naturally in demand and their contracts expiring in 2028.
The Daily Mail says that talks are taking place, with the Reds trying to tie down the players who were signed in the summer of 2023. Liverpool are reportedly looking for long-term deals that represent the players worth in the squad.
However, agents of all three stars are keen for bigger contracts, the report says. Gravenberch has been the Reds’ standout performer this season but comments from his agent linking the player with Real Madrid will worry Liverpool fans.
“When Ryan was 16, Barca called us,” Gravenberch’s agent said via the Mail. “They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development. He’s good enough for Real Madrid.”
He added: “We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they’ve had their eye on him but now it’s impossible.”
Asked about his future prior to playing against Madrid, Gravenberch said : “Obviously I’m happy here, we have to see. We haven’t talked yet [about a new contract], but we will see.”
Meanwhile, Mac Allister has reaffirmed his commitment to the Reds. Speaking in Argentina about interest from Real Madrid, he said: “I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they’ll lose interest.”
AS have also claimed that Real and Manchester City are closely monitoring Szoboszlai. It is said that Liverpool are keen to extend his contract until 2030 and reward his excellent performance with a pay rise, yet as with his two midfield colleagues, no contract is currently on the table for the Hungarian star.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.