The two managers Liverpool are considering to replace Arne Slot with one upgrade but big risk must be avoided

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has held onto his position for the time being as the Reds prepare for games with Inter Milan and Brighton and Hove Albion this week.

Liverpool won 2-0 against West Ham United eight days ago but have drawn their last two games as they picked up two points from outings against Sunderland and Leeds United. The performance against Sunderland left much to be desired while against Leeds, the Reds threw away a 2-0 lead to eventually draw 3-3 - as they conceded in the 96th minute.

The pressure remains on Slot to turn things around with the Reds ninth in the Premier League table. They are somehow only three points outside the top four but face a tough challenge in the Champions League still.

They face Inter and Marseille in their next two away games and likely need to win at least two of their final three games to have any chance of finishing in the top eight. They lost 4-1 to PSV Eindhoven in their last European outing.

As patience continues to wane with Slot amongst the Anfield faithful - there are two names who have been reported to be under consideration at Liverpool if they decide to sack Slot.

Steven Gerrard and Oliver Glasner under consideration

According to reports over the weekend, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is under consideration to replace Slot on an interim basis - if the Dutchman is sacked.

Gerrard has been out of management since leaving Saudi side Al-Ettifaq. He was close to returning to Rangers earlier this season, having enjoyed previous success at the Glasgow club after winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was another name who was said to be under consideration ahead of the draw with Leeds United. The Austrian has been impressive during his stint in charge of the Eagles, who look set to mount a challenge for the top four despite also having European commitments this season - something the club have never before dealt with.

Glasner is out of contract at the end of the season.

Liverpool must avoid emotional Gerrard appointment and go for Glasner

It could be argued that there is some sense behind bringing Gerrard in on an interim basis. The return of an Anfield legend would rejuvenate the squad in the short-term and there would be no question of Gerrard’s commitment to getting the best out of the current squad.

However, there are doubts about the Anfield legend when it comes to his management abilities. He enjoyed success at Rangers but had a miserable spell with Aston Villa while his time in charge of Al-Ettifaq did not make any big headlines. A short-term appointment would also give the Reds more time to look for a long-term successor. Only if Slot is relieved of his duties that is.

Glasner, meanwhile, has proven he can succeed in the Premier League. He has a knack for winning trophies too. He guided Palace to the FA Cup last term, in what was the club’s first major piece of silverware in their entire history.

He has also won the Europa League, as he guided Eintracht Frankfurt to the European silverware in 2022.

While a number of names have been linked or suggested as the next Liverpool manager if Slot is sacked, so far Glasner and Gerrard are ones who are actually reported to be under consideration.

Appointing Gerrard is a risk and if the Reds do sack Slot, they must go with the tried and tested in Glasner - who has shown his ability to work incredibly well with smaller resources. But he has not just overachieved with Palace, he has shown he can get a team over the line to win trophies too. He might also be open to an 18-month contract too which could lessen the risk if things do not work out.