Liverpool consider sacking Arne Slot with Xabi Alonso a leading candidate
Liverpool are reviewing the position of manager Arne Slot and have identified former midfielder Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement, according to multiple reports. The club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are said to be considering a change in the dugout following a significant decline in form since the club's last Premier League title win.
Current boss Slot is under intense pressure at Anfield, with fan support waning as the team struggles to recapture its previous heights. This has prompted the Liverpool hierarchy to assess their options, and a second source, via talkSPORT, has confirmed that Alonso is actively looking to return to management ahead of the next season. The report notes the Spaniard would be an "obvious choice" should Liverpool decide to part ways with Slot.
Alonso has been out of work since his departure from Real Madrid at the start of this year. His tenure in the Spanish capital was challenging and ended after he reportedly lost the confidence of the dressing room, but his reputation remains strong due to his highly successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen prior to that. His availability has alerted several Premier League clubs.
While there is understood to be mutual interest between Alonso and Liverpool, direct talks have not yet taken place. Furthermore, the 44-year-old is also on the radar of other elite clubs, including Manchester City, while Chelsea have long held an admiration for him, setting up a potential multi-club race for his signature.
The situation adds to the uncertainty surrounding Slot's future. The Dutchman's position is under what has been described as an active "review," and FSG are reportedly prepared to act decisively if they believe a change is necessary to revive the club's fortunes. The pressure has been mounting throughout a difficult season that has seen Liverpool fall well short of their own recent standards.
In other potential managerial news linked to the club, former captain Steven Gerrard has also been mentioned as a possible interim option. However, Gerrard recently stated on the Stick to Football podcast that he is not actively seeking a new role, explaining that the timing must be right for his family and that most offers he has received since leaving Aston Villa have been at Championship level.
The prospect of Alonso returning to Anfield, where he won the Champions League and FA Cup as a player between 2004 and 2009, would be a popular one with many supporters. His understanding of the club's culture and his tactical acumen, demonstrated during Leverkusen's Bundesliga title win, make him an appealing candidate. For Alonso, the project of revitalising one of Europe's most historic clubs could represent a compelling next step in his managerial career.
For now, the focus remains on Slot and the final stages of the current campaign, but the speculation signals a potentially pivotal summer ahead at Liverpool. The club's decision will shape their strategic direction as they aim to bridge the gap to the league's current frontrunners and re-establish themselves as consistent title challengers.
