Credit: Imago, Getty images

Evan Lloyd

Mon 6 April 2026 12:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Diego Simeone has been named in the running to take over from Arne Slot at Liverpool should he be dismissed this summer.

The Dutchman is under significant pressure at Anfield following Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final embarrassment at the hands of Manchester City.

Liverpool were battered 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, marking their second consecutive loss and the fourth time they have failed to win in the last five games.

Xabi Alonso is the favourite to take over from Slot at Anfield, but several other candidates are expected to be considered.

The Liverpool manager could still turn it round in the final weeks of the season, but the possibility is increasing that he will be dismissed when the campaign ends.

Diego Simeone odds shorten for Liverpool job

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider in September that Simeone should have been banned for an extended period after an incident in a game against Liverpool.

The 55-year-old was sent off after appearing to square up to a fan in the aftermath of Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner at Anfield.

The Argentine’s passion has not always been a positive, and though he remains the embodiment of Atletico Madrid, this summer feels as if it could be the one in which a change is finally made.

Simeone’s team have lost their last three games across all competitions and have sunk below Villarreal in La Liga.

They face league leaders Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, and will hope to avoid consecutive defeats to them on Wednesday after losing on Saturday.

Simeone has given much of his life to Atleti, making 170 appearances for them as a player and coming up for 800 games managed across almost 15 years this summer.

But a move to Liverpool could provide him with a new experience and a different realm to test himself in.

One major bookmaker has shortened Simeone’s odds of taking over from Slot to 20/1, while Alonso remains the heavy favourite at 1/3.

What Simeone has said about managing in the Premier League

Simeone has often been linked with jobs in the Premier League, but his loyalty to Atleti is yet to waver.

Speaking all the way back in 2016, he said: “I still consider myself a young coach so I feel that it would be possible.

“There are many other leagues that would provide great challenges. But the English and Italian leagues are very attractive.”

Simeone could get his chance this summer, should the opportunity to manage Liverpool arise.