Liverpool are reportedly making plans in case they decide to pull the trigger on Arne Slot at the end of the campaign.
The Reds have so far shown a willingness to stick by Slot despite a clamour for his resignation, even allowing Xabi Alonso to join Chelsea over the weekend.
The decision not to tap Alonso to take over at Anfield has gone down badly amongst Liverpool supporters, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, FSG have their eyes on four potential candidates should the worst come to the worst.
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This sounds like it was aimed at Slot…
Matthias Jaissle under consideration at Liverpool
Though Slot has been expected to stay regardless of where Liverpool finish in the Premier League this season, Bailey has told TeamTALK that FSG are aware that things are moving in a bad direction under the Dutchman.
“The situation with Slot is escalating at a pace, and I can tell you not everyone internally is aligned behind the idea that he should definitely stay,” says the journalist.
“Liverpool are not a club that reacts emotionally or impulsively, but the ownership absolutely recognise this is becoming a very concerning situation.”
After confirming that Mohamed Salah’s explosive views on the situation ‘hit home’ with Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and the rest of the Liverpool decision-makers, Bailey also notes that a four-man post-Alonso shortlist has been drawn up, interestingly including Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, along with Sebastian Hoeness and Julian Nagelsmann.
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“Sebastian Hoeness is hugely respected because of the work he’s done at Stuttgart,” he says.
“Julian Nagelsmann remains admired, while Matthias Jaissle is another coach Liverpool have looked at – especially given the growing appreciation for his tactical approach.”
But according to Bailey, if there is a current favourite, then it has to be outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
“One name that repeatedly comes up is Andoni Iraola,” he says. “He’s potentially available, he plays an aggressive high-intensity style that fits Liverpool’s football identity, and, crucially, he already understands the Premier League.
“And people shouldn’t underestimate the Richard Hughes connection either. Hughes was instrumental in bringing Iraola to Bournemouth, and there remains huge respect there.”
Though Iraola should be the standout, all three of Hoeness, Nagelsmann and Jaissle would offer something exciting. Jaissle is perhaps the most intriguing, having recently won a second consecutive Asian Champions League with Saudi club Al Ahli, for whom he managed Roberto Firmino for two seasons.
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