“When I was leaving I told the board to sign an incredible manager that gave me issues during my time but they chose to sign Arne Slot instead. They brought this upon themselves” – This is according to Jurgen Klopp as he has previously signalled his approval for Liverpool to hire a “fantastic” manager instead of Arne Slot.

Liverpool may need to consider turning to Zinedine Zidane as pressure mounts on Arne Slot, whose position has come under serious scrutiny after suffering a ninth defeat in 12 matches.

Wednesday’s 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield was the lowest point of this poor run, following closely behind the recent 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Rather than showing signs of recovery, Slot’s side appear to be deteriorating.

What initially looked like a minor slump has now become a major concern for a squad — and coach — who lifted the Premier League title just six months ago. Slot now finds himself defending his job, a situation few could have predicted at the start of the campaign. While mid-season managerial changes are rarely straightforward, former Real Madrid boss Zidane is one elite option currently available.

Zidane has been out of management since stepping down from Real Madrid four years ago, but his reputation remains intact thanks to delivering three straight Champions League titles.

Some critics have previously argued that his success at Madrid stemmed more from man-management than tactical skill. Jurgen Klopp never subscribed to that view, however. Ahead of the 2018 Champions League final — ultimately won by Madrid — Klopp praised Zidane’s football IQ and organisational ability.

Klopp said at the time: “If people think Zinedine Zidane doesn’t understand tactics — and think the same about me — that would be hilarious. Two managers in a Champions League final with no tactical knowledge? What would that say about football?

“For me, Zidane is one of the greatest players ever. I’ve been at Liverpool longer than he has been at Real Madrid, and he may win the Champions League for a third time — something never done before.

“I have to accept he’s just as brilliant as a coach as he was as a player. His team plays fantastic football — structured when needed, chaotic when needed.”

Replacing Slot mid-season would be difficult, but Zidane ticks all the boxes for a top-level appointment — and he already has Klopp’s endorsement. The main complication is Zidane’s long-standing desire to manage the French national team, especially with Didier Deschamps expected to step aside after the upcoming World Cup.

Even so, Zidane hasn’t dismissed the idea of coaching in England. Speaking in 2022, he told L’Equipe: “Never say never. If I return to a club, it is to win. I say that humbly, but certain conditions have to be right. To win, a lot of factors matter. I know what I need.

“When people ask if I’d go to Manchester, I understand English but don’t fully master it. Some coaches work without speaking the language — I don’t. I need the right environment to maximise my chances of success.”

Whether Zidane now feels more comfortable with English is unknown. Still, his potential availability is yet another factor increasing the pressure on Slot.

Slot is aware of the situation, admitting he must deliver improvements quickly to avoid forcing Liverpool into a decision that would have been unthinkable not long ago.

“When a manager loses matches — especially as many as we have — it’s normal for people to talk,” he said. “Whether it’s fair or not is for others to decide. But this level of losing is a shock for everyone: the players, the media, and me. Nobody expected this with the quality we have.”