Slot out: Interim appointment now key to Liverpool’s ‘world-class’ summer plan

January 26, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s season took another damaging turn on Saturday night, with a stoppage-time defeat at Bournemouth adding to growing concerns about the club’s trajectory. The result has increased scrutiny on the Anfield hierarchy as league ambitions continue to slip away.

Rather than an isolated setback, the loss reinforced ongoing issues around game management and defensive control. With time and points running out, debate is intensifying over whether decisive action is now required.

Missed chances and familiar flaws

Liverpool twice fought their way back into the contest but were unable to see the game out. Bournemouth took the lead in the first half after capitalising on a defensive lapse, before extending their advantage with a well-placed second goal.

Virgil van Dijk’s header before the interval restored belief, and Dominik Szoboszlai later levelled the score with a second-half free-kick. However, those efforts were undone deep into stoppage time when Amine Adli struck to secure all three points for the hosts.

League position raises stakes

The defeat leaves Liverpool 14 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, having played a game more. With several rivals still to complete their fixtures, the club faces the prospect of slipping further down the table.

For critics, the size of that gap is significant. At this stage of the season, such a deficit is widely viewed as difficult to overturn without a clear and sustained change in form.

Gerrard discussed as contingency option

As pressure builds, attention has again turned to potential alternatives. Earlier in the season, The Athletic reported that Liverpool had discussed contingency planning during a poor run of results, with former captain Steven Gerrard understood to be open to talks if approached.

Supporters backing the idea argue that Gerrard’s standing at the club could provide short-term unity and stability during a turbulent period. The suggestion is framed as an interim solution rather than a permanent appointment.

Those advocating an interim reset emphasise immediate priorities: steadying performances, preserving Champions League qualification hopes, and restoring confidence ahead of the summer.

The longer-term picture has also evolved. Real Madrid’s recent decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso has reshaped the managerial market, leaving the former Liverpool midfielder available after previous links with a future role at Anfield.

Some observers believe a pathway could exist in which Liverpool stabilise in the short term before making a permanent appointment with the benefit of a full pre-season and squad planning. Whether the club’s board chooses that route remains to be seen, but the consequences of delay are becoming increasingly clear.

Sources: Premier League, The Athletic