Shock Liverpool legend emerges as interim option to replace Arne Slot: report

Liverpool’s season has lurched into fresh uncertainty after Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that Steven Gerrard has been floated inside Anfield as a surprise interim successor to Arne Slot should the club’s hierarchy decide on a managerial change.

The Reds’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, sealed by Richarlison’s stoppage-time equaliser, left Anfield frustrated and the team still outside the top four. Slot’s side have taken only one win from their last four fixtures in all competitions, including a damaging Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat in Istanbul to Galatasaray. With eight league matches remaining, Liverpool trail Aston Villa by two points for the final qualification place, although fifth may yet secure a berth in Europe’s premier competition next season.

According to the report, Fenway Sports Group have not pulled the trigger but have begun mapping out contingency plans. Gerrard, 44, is said to have been discussed strictly as a short-term appointment through the end of the 2025-26 campaign, buying the club time to pursue a longer-term target next summer. The former Liverpool captain has prior Premier League experience with Aston Villa and guided Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21. He left Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ettifaq last autumn and has since been without a club.

Liverpool, still alive in both the Champions League and the FA Cup, are described as “continuing to evaluate their options.” While the club historically avoids mid-season upheaval, the combination of underwhelming league form and fan discontent has placed Slot under intensifying scrutiny. The Dutchman, appointed ahead of the current campaign, is hoping to deliver at least one trophy in his second season at the helm.

The immediate focus returns to Europe on Wednesday, when Liverpool host Galatasaray needing to overturn a first-leg deficit to keep their continental dream alive.