Bookies Drastically Cut Odds on Zinedine Zidane Becoming Liverpool’s Next Manager to Replace Arne Slot
Zinedine Zidane has been out of management since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, but the French legend is now among the frontrunners to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, according to bookmakers.
The Reds are enduring a torrid spell, having lost five of their last six games across all competitions — their worst run since Slot’s appointment last summer. Their latest defeat, a 3–2 loss to Brentford on Saturday, leaves them sitting seventh in the Premier League table.
Despite the slump, there’s no immediate sign of panic at Anfield. Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions last season and had made a perfect start to this campaign, winning all five of their opening league fixtures before their current poor form.
Since taking control of the club in 2010, Fenway Sports Group have only dismissed three managers — Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, and Brendan Rodgers — but recent results have inevitably placed some pressure on Slot from sections of the fanbase.
Betfair have now revised their odds on who could take over at Anfield, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner emerging as favourite at 3/1. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola follows at 4/1, while Zidane sits third at 9/2. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is priced at 7/1, and a sensational return for Jurgen Klopp is listed at 9/1.
Zidane has previously expressed admiration for Liverpool, describing Anfield as the best away stadium in football during an interview with Real Madrid’s official YouTube channel. Ahead of the 2021 Champions League quarter-final clash — which his Madrid side won — he praised Klopp for building a “complete team,” highlighting their balance and cohesion beyond the attacking trio of Salah, Mane, and Firmino.
However, as with previous rumours linking him to Manchester United, Zidane’s limited command of English could be a major obstacle. Speaking to L’Équipe in 2022, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner admitted that while he understands English, he doesn’t speak it fluently, saying:
“I understand English, but I don’t fully master it. I know that some coaches work abroad without speaking the language, but I work differently.”
So far, Zidane’s only managerial experience has been with Real Madrid — first with their Castilla side (2014–2016), then twice with the senior team, guiding them to three consecutive Champions League titles. Despite his absence from coaching since 2021, he continues to be linked with major roles, including potentially succeeding Didier Deschamps as France’s manager after the 2026 World Cup.
