Brendan Rodgers could be set to make a sensational return to Anfield after being dismissed as Liverpool manager a decade ago.
Whilst the 2-0 win against West Ham bought Arne Slot some vital breathing room, it is clear that the Dutchman is still under pressure as Liverpool boss.
Slot made the courageous decision to drop Mohamed Salah from the starting XI in a risky move that proved to be justified as the Reds snapped their three-game losing streak.
However, Slot will know that if he does not follow up this result with a win against Sunderland, then the talk surrounding his future will once again grab the headlines, with Rodgers and another current Premier League manager being lined up to replace him.
Brendan Rodgers and Andoni Iraola touted as potential Arne Slot replacements
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Rodgers being linked with a return to the Reds is certainly a claim that will raise eyebrows, but it seems Liverpool are prepared to pull out all the stops if necessary to salvage their season after investing so heavily in the summer.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, in another move that could not have been anticipated by any supporter just a matter of months ago.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reported on November 29 that Rodgers, alongside Bournemouth boss Iraola, are being lined up as potential replacements for Slot if the Reds’ fortunes do not improve in December.
Rodgers is said to be considered due to the fact he is a free agent after leaving Celtic, with the Northern Irishman said to be held in high regard within the club due to his previous stint there, with Rodgers notably leading Liverpool to a 2nd place finish in the 2013/14 Premier League campaign.
Perhaps a name that would be a more welcome appointment would be the Spaniard, Iraola, who has impressed since taking over at Bournemouth in 2023.
Iraola’s “dynamic, brave style based on high pressing” is said to have “caught the attention” of Liverpool, with the former Rayo Vallecano manager seemingly being a more suitable fit than Rodgers.
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Richard Hughes should lose his job if Brendan Rodgers is appointed
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Choosing to sack a manager who has recently lifted the Premier League title would be a decision that certain sections of Liverpool’s fanbase would forever question.
But if Hughes were to appoint Rodgers in Slot’s place, then he could risk undoing all the good work Liverpool have done recently to assemble one of the best squads in Europe on paper.
Rodgers has left his previous two jobs as Celtic and Leicester City manager when the going got tough, and this is an attribute that directly contradicts the stability a manager would need to provide in the second half of the season should Slot lose his job.
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