Liverpool: Sebastian Hoeness eyed as Arne Slot replacement amid sack talks
Liverpool Football Club are considering a move for VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß as a potential replacement for Arne Slot, according to multiple reports emerging this week. The development comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Slot’s future at Anfield following a season that has fallen short of expectations, despite Wednesday’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Galatasaray securing a Champions League quarter-final berth.
While Liverpool’s board currently publicly backs Slot, sources indicate a shortlist of candidates is being drawn up in anticipation of a potential summer change. Hoeneß, 43, has emerged as a prime target, lauded for his transformative work at Stuttgart, turning them from relegation candidates into Champions League contenders.
The German coach’s success in guiding Stuttgart to a second-place finish in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, earning them a return to the Champions League, has attracted attention from several top European clubs. He further solidified his reputation by leading Stuttgart to a DFB-Pokal victory last season – the club’s first major trophy since 2007. Currently, Stuttgart sit fourth in the Bundesliga with eight games remaining, trailing Bayern Munich by 17 points.
The potential pursuit of Hoeneß is reportedly being driven by Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), as they explore alternatives should their pursuit of Xabi Alonso prove unsuccessful. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, is reportedly open to taking charge at Anfield, but faces interest from other clubs.
Pressure has been mounting on Slot after a disappointing season that has seen Liverpool suffer 13 defeats across all competitions. Despite winning the Premier League title in his debut season, the team has struggled to replicate that form, currently sitting fifth in the table.
According to reports, Slot has been given two key targets to achieve in order to secure his position beyond this summer: securing a place in the Champions League and potentially adding silverware with a strong FA Cup run.
However, the situation is complicated by uncertainty surrounding the futures of several key figures at the club, with contracts for multiple senior personnel expiring this summer. This has created a sense of instability, with potential candidates reportedly seeking clarity on the long-term vision for the club before committing to a move.
Football journalist Adam Crafton of The Athletic has suggested that it would be “kind of mad” to sack Slot after winning the league in his first season, particularly if Liverpool can secure Champions League qualification. However, he acknowledged that a failure to qualify for the Champions League could build his position untenable.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Saudi Arabian clubs are showing interest in Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, adding another layer of uncertainty to the club’s future structure. However, Hughes is not actively seeking a move.