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Liverpool are reportedly accelerating plans to appoint a new manager, with Arne Slot described as being on thin ice after a downturn in results and mood at Anfield. Spanish outlet Fichajes says Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate and is ready to return quickly to management after leaving Real Madrid. The Athletic’s James Pearce, however, reports Slot still has FSG’s backing.
Liverpool linked with Xabi Alonso as reports claim Slot is on thin ice
Reports say Liverpool have decided to speed up the appointment of Arne Slot’s replacement, with the manager under mounting scrutiny after a sharp drop in results and performances this season. Slot exceeded expectations in his first campaign, leading Liverpool to their 20th league title. But the mood has shifted, with supporters booing after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Burnley, according to the report.
The article notes Liverpool spent over £400m on summer signings and suggests the club made too many changes in one window, with several new additions and other key players underperforming. While the report says not all of the blame lies with Slot, it adds that his decision-making has been criticised and that fans have grown tired of what is described as a dull approach.
Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Alonso is Liverpool’s top-priority choice to replace Slot and that Fenway Sports Group are “speeding up his arrival.” The report adds Alonso is eager to return quickly to management, believing his time at Real Madrid ended prematurely, and describes Liverpool as an ideal opportunity because of his tactical profile and knowledge of the club from his playing days.
On Sunday, an insider account on X claimed Slot has been told Champions League qualification would not be enough to keep his job next season, adding Liverpool want improvement in tactics and style. However, Liverpool correspondent James Pearce of The Athletic wrote that Slot retains FSG’s backing and that there are no plans to make a managerial change mid-campaign, while noting Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid has altered the landscape for those calling for change.
