Liverpool Weighing Alonso as Slot's Future Hangs in Balance
Liverpool are reportedly preparing to part ways with manager Arne Slot, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso the leading candidate to replace him at Anfield, according to multiple reports. The club's American owners, Fenway Sports Group, are said to be conducting an accelerated end-of-season review after a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City intensified pressure on the Dutch coach.
Senior journalists including The Times' Paul Joyce and The Athletic's James Pearce have reported that Slot has lost the trust of key players and sections of the fanbase, with the club hierarchy 'dissatisfied' with the team's recent trajectory. While Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season, initially retained the backing of FSG, the nature of recent performances has forced a review. Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke reports that Liverpool are now prepared to sack Slot this summer if they believe there is "no way back" for the 45-year-old at Anfield.
In this context, attention has turned to who could succeed him, with former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso the clear favourite. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who has been out of management since leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2022, is currently unattached and is said to be keen on a return to Anfield, where he remains a hugely popular figure. Former Liverpool defender and pundit Steve Nicol, who initially backed Slot, has now stated he would be open to Alonso's appointment, stating there is "nobody else" of a similar calibre available.
The situation is understood to be fluid, with the club's new sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG's Michael Edwards in constant communication over the manager's position. The club's end-of-season review, which has been brought forward, will be decisive. While no final decision has been communicated, credible sources indicate the club is actively preparing for a change, with the process to replace Slot already in motion. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future leadership of the club's first team.
