Xabi Alonso opens the door to replace Slot at Liverpool

In the event that Arne Slot is fired by Liverpool, Xabi Alonso would be among the strongest candidates for the coaching role at Anfield.

Everything is going against Arne Slot. His Liverpool team has suffered two forgettable defeats in just a few days. They lost 0-4 to Man City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and most recently a 0-2 defeat to PSG in France in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. This weekend brings a tough match against Fulham. The risk of losing the 5th position in this round is entirely possible, as Liverpool leads Chelsea by only one point.

A Champions League qualification spot is the minimum condition for Slot to retain his position after this season ends. However, even if Liverpool maintains a Top 5 position, the risk of the Dutch coach losing his job remains high. His contract at Anfield expires next summer, and Liverpool's leadership has no intention of extending it. They are considering dismissing the 47-year-old manager at the end of this season.

So who is the brightest candidate to replace Slot? Xabi Alonso. This 44-year-old manager possesses many suitable qualities to take the hot seat at Anfield. His CV, with notable experiences at Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, is convincing enough regarding his managerial capabilities. Notably, Alonso helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga in the 2023-24 season, breaking Bayern Munich's long-standing dominance. His half-year stint leading Real Madrid also showed positive signs. A win rate exceeding 70% in 34 matches at the Bernabeu demonstrates his full capability to lead top continental clubs.

He himself is familiar with Liverpool, having played there for five years from 2004 to 2009. That period saw Alonso experience glory at Anfield, including the Champions League title in 2004-05. Understanding Liverpool's culture and having been beloved at Anfield would give Alonso a significant advantage if the Spanish captain is chosen to take over the team in the future.

Alonso's high-pressing style shares similarities with the approach Jurgen Klopp once applied at Liverpool. Liverpool's current squad includes two players who were his pupils at Leverkusen: Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. This duo understands the demands the 44-year-old manager places on players. Injuries have caused Wirtz and Frimpong to take longer to adapt to their new club. Additionally, both have not yet fit into Slot's operating system. If Alonso comes to Liverpool and employs a three-center-back formation, Wirtz and Frimpong would have more room to maximize their potential as seen at Leverkusen.

Of course, things are not entirely bleak for Slot. His Liverpool still holds hope of maintaining a Top 5 position and the home match against PSG next week to reverse the situation. But Slot is clearly under immense pressure as Liverpool has lost three consecutive matches. If this losing streak is not stopped soon, Slot could be dismissed early by Liverpool. Alonso is waiting ready!