With the pressure growing on Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his mind up on taking the Liverpool job if it becomes available at the same time that he potentially leaves Real Madrid.
For the first time in Slot's Liverpool career, serious questions are being asked about his tenure. Last season's Premier League title win has provided him with plenty of credit but, as Jamie Carragher pointed out on Monday Night Football, not everyone is still convinced that he's still the man for the job.
“To win a league title in your first season is pretty special, but I have the feeling he doesn’t have the unconditional love and support like Jurgen Klopp always had.
“Jurgen Klopp had a couple of ropey moments in his time – at one stage he lost six games in a row at Anfield in the league. But at no stage did that ever feel like people were talking about Jurgen Klopp‘s position the same way people have been speaking about Arne Slot‘s position over the weekend.
“It’s the nature of the beast, he’s the manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world, but for me there should be no talk or thought of this manager being out of a job this season.”
After eight defeats in 11 games, the Dutchman simply has to turn things around. The Reds backed him by breaking their transfer record twice in the summer and spending over £400m, but are yet to see that investment pay off.
The most concerning aspect of Liverpool's recent run is that nothing has changed. Slot has persisted with the same system, which only provided false dawns against Real Madrid and Aston Villa.
Arne-Slot-Liverpool
Now, with Alonso also under pressure at Madrid, Liverpool could be presented with a tempting opportunity to make a sensational change.
Xabi Alonso makes Liverpool decision
According to Football365, Alonso is now ready to take the Liverpool job if Real Madrid decide to sack him. The Spaniard has been put under increasing pressure by reports that Vinicius Junior has decided against signing a new deal whilst the manager is in charge.
As Real Madrid are forced to decide between their star man and their new manager, it's Liverpool who could take full advantage.
For many, the big question has centred around who would replace Slot if Liverpool decided to sack the Dutchman. In Alonso, they'd have the perfect answer.
The Reds were interested in a reunion with the Spaniard before they hired Slot and could now get what they initially wanted over a year later.
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Liverpool's French centre-back has been abject in Slot's system this season.
Although a lot of pieces will need to fall into place, there's little doubt that Alonso would be welcomed with open arms at Anfield.
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