Liverpool Contemplates Steven Gerrard as Interim Manager After Salah Outburst
Liverpool is weighing a temporary replacement for Arne Slot with club legend Steven Gerrard, should the manager be dismissed. The idea surfaces amid a troubling spell for the Reds, who have suffered six defeats in their last nine Premier League matches. A brief uplift came with a 2-0 victory over West Ham, but the momentum vanished quickly as Slot’s side followed up with a 1-1 draw at home against Sunderland just three days later.
The situation intensified this weekend when Leeds United snatched a stoppage-time equalizer from Ao Tanaka to seal a dramatic six-goal second half at Elland Road, leaving Liverpool stunned. The behind-the-scenes plan to consider Gerrard follows Mohamed Salah’s sharp post-match remarks about his bond with Slot, including the accusation that someone at the club would prefer him elsewhere and that he felt he was being “thrown under the bus.”
Dutch outlet DaveOCKOP reported that Gerrard is among the potential interim choices if Liverpool decides to part ways with Slot. Gerrard, 45, has been linked with a return to Anfield, though he recently admitted he came very close to rejoining Rangers but eventually declined after talks that followed the departure of Russell Martin.
Gerrard’s previous stint with Rangers lasted from 2018 to 2021, culminating in a Scottish Premiership title in the 2020–21 season, before he moved on to roles with Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. A comeback to Liverpool would mark a compelling narrative for a club legend who rose through the academy and cemented his status among the club’s all-time greats.
Liverpool’s broader transfer intrigue reportedly includes Julian Nagelsmann, who is currently tasked with guiding Germany to next summer’s World Cup and could become available after the tournament.
Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title just months prior, now faces serious questions about his tenure as the team’s form falters. Still, Slot maintains optimism about turning the situation around, telling reporters after the Leeds match that there are reasons to stay positive.
During questions about his relationship with the club hierarchy last week, Slot acknowledged regular dialogue but noted it doesn’t involve constant reassurances from the board. “We have conversations,” he said, “whether we are winning or losing. They are supportive of me and the team, but they don’t call me every minute of the day to reaffirm their trust. We’ll see what happens after this game.”
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