Liverpool still have three realistic new manager targets who they could appoint this summer
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Liverpool supporters have seen their dreams of Xabi Alonso arriving this summer to take over from Arne Slot blown into oblivion on Sunday morning.There had been a clamour for Alonso to return at Anfield ever since his dismissal from Real Madrid in January, with many fans holding out hope that Slot would be removed in favour of the Spaniard.However, with Liverpool seemingly keeping faith in their title-winning head coach, Alonso has officially joined Chelsea. If Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea, who should be Liverpool’s next manager?
Nevertheless, there are still three realistic options who could take charge at Anfield ahead of the new season.The favourite: Andoni IraolaThough Alonso would have been many fans’ choice here, there is an argument to suggest that Andoni Iraola is actually a better fit for Liverpool.His fast-paced, attacking, energetic style of play resembles Jurgen Klopp’s, and his three years of experience as a Premier League manager also mark him out as a strong candidate.Iraola will leave Bournemouth this summer, and with the Chelsea and Manchester United jobs now off the table, he may have his eyes on linking up with Richard Hughes once again at Liverpool.READ MORE: Steven Gerrard shares his ‘understanding’ of the current situation around Arne Slot’s Liverpool futurePhoto by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesThe hipster choice: Sebastian HoenessIf Liverpool want to return to a ‘heavy metal’ vision of football – in line with Mohamed Salah’s latest calls – then Sebastian Hoeness would be a good addition.Iraola may still be seen as the safest bet to implement a more favourable style for the Anfield crowd to enjoy, but Hoeness is another clear option.Having led Stuttgart into the Champions League for the second time in three years, all while playing an exciting, high-pressing style of play, it is surely only a matter of time before the 44-year-old joins one of football’s elite clubs.Hoeness has recently claimed that he is ‘fully committed’ to Stuttgart ahead of the end of the season, and though he has a contract until 2028, Liverpool coming in for him would surely test the German’s loyalty. This sounds like it was aimed at Slot… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC The outside shot: Francesco FarioliIf Liverpool do sack Slot, they will need to be completely certain that their next appointment will be a guarantee of success.That may make it unlikely that they go for a young coach such as Porto’s Francesco Farioli, but after a really impressive management career so far, the 37-year-old should still be in the conversation.Despite his youth, Farioli has already taken charge of four clubs in four different countries, progressing at every step along the way.Having narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title with Ajax last year, the Italian went one better in 2025/26, winning the Primeira Liga in charge of Porto.
Porto will not want to lose him, but Farioli is on a path to the top of the game, and Liverpool could bet on his potential for a long-term stay.Photo by Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAre there other candidates?Realistically, these three managers should now be top of Liverpool’s considerations if they do sack Slot. But perhaps if Liverpool wait the door to Enrique will open up in 2027.Should a vacancy arrive at Anfield there will be plenty of other managers who throw their hats into the ring, and the Reds could make an unexpected choice as they did with Slot two years ago.