Arne Slot can be replaced by a record-breaking manager.
It has been a disastrous campaign for Liverpool under the Dutchman, and the situation could still deteriorate further. Just one more poor result would be enough to deny the Reds a place in next season’s Champions League.
Following the damaging defeat to Aston Villa, Liverpool now head into the final day of the season needing a victory over Brentford at Anfield to secure qualification. In most years, that task would feel straightforward for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
This season, however, has been anything but normal.
What began with optimism under Slot has quickly unravelled into one of the club’s worst campaigns in recent memory. Liverpool have already lost 20 matches in all competitions - a record-breaking figure that highlights how far standards have slipped.
The fact they still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League is remarkable given the scale of their struggles throughout the season.
Much of the criticism has inevitably fallen on Slot. Questions have been raised about his management, decision-making and inability to steady the team during difficult periods.
Injuries and inconsistency have played a role, but many supporters feel the Dutchman has failed to get the best from the squad.
As pressure continues to mount, speculation over Slot’s future is growing stronger. Some fans are already calling for a managerial change.
What direction Liverpool choose next remains uncertain, but the scrutiny surrounding Slot is only intensifying.
For a club of Liverpool’s stature, the level of performances this season have been simply unacceptable, and it increasingly feels like there is no clear path back from this decline.
Mo Salah's latest social media posts, the subsequent likes from a flurry of his teammates does imply a sense of mutiny in the dressing room considering the Egyptian was making a veiled criticism of Slot himself.
It's only thanks to the decline of the current state of the Premier League that Liverpool actually stand a chance of coming out with something at the end of the season - the bare minimum - A Champions League berth.
Long-term the club needs change and that change has to be appointing a manager who truly understands what it takes to reach an elite level and work with world-class players. Someone who can deliver attractive and successful football and someone who is very good at pressing his opponents.
Slot doesn't grasp this.
As Salah said it himself, Liverpool need another gegenpressing genius. Someone who resonates with what the fans want and can create heavy metal football at Anfield again.
There's an obvious but niche candidate for this, who many not have heard of.
According to TEAMtalk Liverpool have four candidates to replace Slot, should they decide to sack him.
The list includes Andoni Iraola, Julian Nagelsmann and Sebastian Hoeness.
But another name who is in line to replace Slot is Matthias Jaissle.
Despite being only 38 years old, Jaissle has already built an impressive managerial resume. He first made his name with Red Bull Salzburg, guiding the club to the Austrian Bundesliga title in his debut season before successfully defending it the following year.
His impact extended beyond domestic football. Under Jaissle, Salzburg became a highly competitive force in Europe, earning praise for their aggressive style of play and ability to develop emerging talent. Several young players flourished during his time there, including Benjamin Sesko.
Like Jurgen Klopp, Jaissle is heavily influenced by gegenpressing football, favouring high intensity, quick transitions and relentless pressing. After leaving Salzburg, he took charge of Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he briefly worked alongside Roberto Firmino.
Jaissle has continued to strengthen his reputation in Saudi Arabia. He recently made history by winning the AFC Champions League for a second consecutive season, becoming the first manager ever to achieve that feat in back-to-back campaigns.
What makes his rise even more remarkable is that he has accomplished all of this before turning 40. His tactical approach, track record of success and commitment to developing young players all appear to align closely with Liverpool’s identity.
Having already achieved major success in Saudi Arabia, this could be the ideal moment for Jaissle to return to European football. For Liverpool, he may represent a compelling long-term option.
