Unai Emery should be Liverpool's primary target to replace Arne Slot, according to analysis of the Reds' managerial situation. While Andoni Iraola has emerged as a potential successor following Slot's difficult 2025-26 campaign, Fenway Sports Group would be better served pursuing the Aston Villa manager instead.
Liverpool's title-winning season under Slot now feels distant as the club has regressed significantly. The situation worsened when Mohamed Salah publicly criticized the manager, signalling internal discontent at Anfield. Iraola's imminent departure from Bournemouth—where he has guided the modest south-coast club toward a potential top-five Premier League finish—makes him an obvious free-agent candidate. However, FSG should resist the easy option and test the market for a proven elite tactician.
Emery's Elite Track Record
Emery's credentials are exceptional across multiple top European leagues. At Valencia, he consistently delivered Champions League qualification. His spell at Sevilla produced an unprecedented achievement: three consecutive Europa League titles. His time in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain yielded one league title and two Coupe de France victories. These accomplishments demonstrate sustained success building winning cultures at different institutions.
While Emery remains under contract at Villa until 2029 and has publicly stated his ambition to win the Premier League with the Birmingham club, Liverpool's profile and resources represent a significant pull. The challenge lies in convincing a manager widely revered at Villa Park to consider a move. Still, FSG's hesitation to at least explore this option would represent a missed opportunity. Emery has transformed every club he has managed, establishing tactical discipline and winning mentality. Comparing his trophy haul and continental success to Jurgen Klopp's legacy, Emery stands as arguably the more accomplished manager by pure silverware accumulation.
Liverpool's next appointment will define the club's trajectory for the next decade. Rather than settling for Iraola as the default choice, FSG must pursue the manager best equipped to restore Anfield to its former dominance.
