Liverpool met with manager at the end of January – Iraola alternative has spoken to Reds

Liverpool officials travelled to meet with RC Lens manager Pierre Sage at the end of January as they considered replacements for Arne Slot.

French journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that Sage is very much on the list at Anfield, even if Andoni Iraola is the favourite to replace Slot.

Liverpool sack Slot

Liverpool sacked Arne Slot today after a disastrous Premier League title defence that saw the Reds finish fifth and battling just to secure Champions League football.

Reports had initially made it clear that Liverpool’s ownership planned to stand by the Dutchman. But that has not proven to be the case, with FSG believing that a change in direction was necessary.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is now the favourite to take up the Liverpool hotseat. He has a close relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes from their time together at Bournemouth.

A report earlier this month indicated that he was at the top of Liverpool’s list as a result. Reports in England have stated the same, while Hawkins corroborates that information too.

Meeting in January

But, according to his information, Liverpool’s management also appreciates Pierre Sage at Lens. Even though he is not on course to be appointed, ‘employment representatives’ for Liverpool met with him at Lens at the end of January. They did this with the French club’s approval.

That indicates that Liverpool have been thinking about replacing Arne Slot for some time, despite reports to the contrary.

Sage has enjoyed a stellar debut season in charge of the French club, culminating in his selection as Ligue 1 Manager of the Season after guiding them to second place and a Coup de France success.

This has all been achieved despite Lens cutting their wage bill by 40%. They also spent the season selling stars like Facundo Edian and Andy Diouf as well. Now he’s on Liverpool’s list, although they’re likely to push for Iraola after Slot’s departure.