Sage Added to Liverpool's Managerial Shortlist as Iraola Remains Frontrunner

Liverpool have widened their search for Arne Slot's successor, with Lens manager Pierre Sage now on their radar alongside Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, who continues to lead the race for the position.

The Reds announced Slot's departure on Saturday, concluding his two-year tenure at the club. The Dutch manager delivered a Premier League title in his opening campaign—a feat placing him alongside Liverpool greats Jurgen Klopp and Kenny Dalglish—but a disappointing title defence saw the club finish fifth this season and narrowly secure Champions League qualification ahead of Bournemouth.

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed Iraola's status as the leading candidate, stating the Bournemouth head coach is set to begin formal discussions with Liverpool imminently. According to Romano, the club hierarchy has made their decision with Iraola positioned as their top, second, and third choice, effectively ruling out alternative candidates. Negotiations are expected to commence shortly, with an announcement anticipated soon.

Yet journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Sage, the highly-regarded Lens boss, has caught Liverpool's attention amid reports that Crystal Palace are also pursuing the manager. While Iraola remains the overwhelming favourite, Sage represents one of several names in Liverpool's consideration, indicating the club is keeping its options open.

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool's legendary former captain, offered his perspective on Slot's exit. Though initially shocked by the decision, Gerrard acknowledged it represents the correct timing for a managerial transition. He praised Slot's first-season achievement as "incredible," noting the difficulty of succeeding Klopp and delivering the Premier League title immediately. However, Gerrard conceded that Liverpool's performances in the latter stages of last season and throughout this campaign have been unconvincing, describing the football as "disjointed" and "difficult to watch at times."

Gerrard expressed confidence that Liverpool's hierarchy had already identified a successor before announcing Slot's departure. He suggested the end of season represents the optimal moment for managerial change, allowing an incoming boss time to oversee pre-season preparations and orchestrate a squad rebuild. "Liverpool are an organised machine," Gerrard remarked, indicating the club's decision-making process would have been thorough and deliberate rather than reactive.