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The pressure is building at Anfield as Arne Slot’s season goes from bad to worse
Liverpool have been linked with potential replacements for Arne Slot as the pressure builds on his position as manager.
The Reds’ nightmare run of form continued with a humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to PSV in their latest Champions League clash. The result marked Liverpool’s ninth loss in 12 games, their worst run of form in more than 70 years.
Rumours continue to suggest Slot’s time is now limited, with the Reds dropping to 11 points adrift of Arsenal in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s name has been heavily linked as one of the favourites to potentially replace Slot, should Liverpool pull the trigger on his tenure at Anfield.
While many believe bringing Klopp back to Anfield would be the ideal scenario to fix this beyond troublesome start to the season, there is another figure who would fit the bill and would be a more likely candidate.
Liverpool could reignite interest in signing Xabi Alonso
Anfield legend Xabi Alonso could be an option for Liverpool to explore once again amid his own issues to deal with at Real Madrid.
According to El Partidazo de COPE (via Mundo Deportivo), high profile members of Madrid are ‘split’ over who does and doesn’t support the former midfielder as manager. Vinicius Jr and on-and-off Liverpool transfer Rodrygo are said to be among those who are against Alonso.
Los Blancos recently went three games without a win, which has played part in the tensions rising in Spanish capital. Meanwhile, other reports in Spain suggest some players are ‘unhappy’ with Alonso’s methods, including his training approach and tactical decisions (via DaveOCKOP).
Alonso has reportedly implemented ‘strict rules’ to eliminate ‘bad habits’ at Madrid, and has insisted that each player must fight for their place in the starting lineup, regardless of how established they are.
Xabi Alonso tactics could be exactly what Liverpool need
This unsettled atmosphere at Real Madrid could be the opening Liverpool need to consider a potential approach for their former player. While his current situation may be causing friction in Spain, it could actually be what the Reds are in need of right now.
Things seem extremely unorganised and panicked at Liverpool right now. The players are struggling to perform to their usual standard, while Slot is struggling to figure out his best starting XI.
Usually reliable players like Mohamed Salah have been performing massively wide of the mark so far. Meanwhile, the likes of Ibrahima Konate continue to drop disappointing display after disappointing display, but with no repercussions following.
Fans are growing frustrated, however, with Alonso’s approach, the likes of Konate would have certainly been dropped by now to avoid the same mistakes happening week after week.
Alexander Isak also continues to be handed starts, despite more often than not struggling to have a positive impact on play when he does. Alonso’s no-nonsense and no-favourite approach to who he plays is something Liverpool would benefit from in this troublesome season.
It seems Slot is still no closer to figuring out his best 11 and the whole team unit looks like a deer in the headlights. This approach of weeding out ‘bad habits’ is a firm but fair lesson the Reds need to shake up their season before it spirals out of control.
Liverpool had made Alonso their number one choice to replace Klopp in 2024 but the former midfielder opted to stay at former club Bayer Leverkusen, after enjoying an historic title-winning season with them. His success pathed to way to former club Real Madrid, but it’s far from a dream situation for the Spaniard. Could the opportunity to sign with Liverpool re-present itself?
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