Liverpool read talks with the 3-4-2-1 coach who recently won Manager of the Year

Liverpool are now exploring their managerial options after parting ways with Arne Slot and already have a surprise man on their radar.

Liverpool are targeting the French manager

The Reds shocked English football by releasing Slot from his job after just one week, it seems that he will be safe as he is secured in the Champions League.

Truth be told, though, when he sat back, lying in his dugout as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson waved goodbye at Anfield, it should have been clear that the writing was on the wall.

Speaking to fans after the club confirmed the news, Liverpool’s ownership, FGS, said: “That this was a difficult decision for us to take as a team goes without saying.

“Arne’s contribution to Liverpool FC during his time with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly for the supporters and for us – successful.

“Therefore, our appreciation for all that he has achieved could not be greater, especially as it is supported by the integrity of work, diligence and level of expertise that has reaffirmed our view that he is a leader in his field.

The focus is now on finding a replacement. And although Fabrizio Romano has shared that Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to take the job, other names are still on the list.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool are ready to open negotiations with Pierre Sage if they fail to hire Iraola. The Frenchman enjoyed a fine season with RC Lens, presenting a formidable title challenge to Paris Saint-Germain.

It wasn’t enough to secure title success, but it was enough to win the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award and it was enough to earn a place on Liverpool’s radar.

Why Pierre Sage is still one to watch

As long as Iraola isn’t a foregone conclusion, Sage remains one to watch. The Lens manager, who prefers to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, will especially suit newcomers like Jeremie Frimpong and a possible addition like Adam Wharton, who flourished under Oliver Glasner in the same system.

Whether Liverpool are willing to splash out on a manager who has never stepped foot in the Premier League remains to be seen. After dealing with so much uncertainty under Slot this season, it seems incredibly unlikely.

Sage’s Lens team certainly knows how to score and all signs point to a manager who could make it to the top level one day. That, however, may not come with the respect of those at Anfield this summer.

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