Liverpool are now assessing their managerial options after parting ways with Arne Slot and already have a surprise candidate on their radar.

Liverpool targeting French manager

The Reds have shocked English football by relieving Slot of his duties just one week after it seemed like he'd be safe with Champions League football secured.

Truth be told, however, when he sat back, slumped in his dugout as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson waved goodbye to Anfield, it should have been clear that the writing was on the wall.

Addressing supporters after the club confirmed the news, Liverpool's ownership, FGS, said: “That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying.

"The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field."

The focus is now on finding a replacement. And whilst Fabrizio Romano has shared that Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to take the job, other names are still in the frame.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Liverpool are also ready to open talks with Pierre Sage should they fail to hire Iraola. The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent season with RC Lens, launching a shock title challenge on Paris Saint-Germain.

It wasn't enough to secure title success, but it was enough to win Ligue 1's Manager of the Year award and enough to get a place on Liverpool's radar.

Why Pierre Sage is still one to watch

As long as Iraola is not a foregone conclusion, Sage remains one to watch. The Lens manager, who prefers to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, would particularly suit arrivals such as Jeremie Frimpong and potential additions like Adam Wharton, who thrived under Oliver Glasner in a similar system.

Whether Liverpool are willing to take a gamble on a manager who has never stepped foot in the Premier League remains to be seen, however. After facing so much uncertainty under Slot this season, it seems incredibly unlikely.

Sage's Lens side certainly know how to find the back of the net and all the signs are pointing towards a manager who could reach the top level one day. That, however, may not come courtesy of those at Anfield this summer.

Read next: Liverpool could hire "world-class" Slot replacement