"All about timing" - Liverpool Arne Slot sack verdict delivered as Xabi Alonso now availableplaceholder image
"All about timing" - Liverpool Arne Slot sack verdict delivered as Xabi Alonso now available | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool watched from afar as former player Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid by mutual consent on Monday
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid by mutual consent after losing 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.
There had been reports from Spain that members of the Real Madrid squad were unhappy with Alonso’s methods and some of the strict rules he had set out for the players to adhere too.
The ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich man has now walked from his position, with some sections of the Reds fanbase scrambling for him to be appointed at Anfield.
Liverpool beat League One side Barnsley 4-1 in the FA Cup third round on Monday evening but did concede an alarming number of chances to a team in the bottom half of the third tier.
Arne Slot has come under pressure at several points throughout this season but Liverpool are now unbeaten in 11 games. They have worked hard to achieve that run but have lacked creativity and struggling to blow away teams.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning, Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist discussed the possibility of Slot leaving Liverpool to make way for Alonso. The ex-Liverpool midfielder was linked with the Anfield hot-seat after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure.
However, he remained with Bayer Leverkusen and then took the Madrid job in the summer.
Speaking after a Liverpool fan suggested the club make a move for Alonso, McCoist: "It is a really interesting one. Yes, Liverpool are going through a tricky period but they are now unbeaten in 11 games.
"It is where they have come from compared to last season, they were absolutely terrific. And I'm thinking, surely, that has given Arne Slot some money in the bank.
"It is one thing Spurs and Man United fans wanting to change their manager but how can Liverpool fans possibly be wanting to change their manager?"
Stelling responded: "Because Xabi Alonso is available now. I completely agree and do take your point. Sometimes it's all about timing."
McCoist then continued: "I get that too. In my opinion, Liverpool are no way in a position right now where they need a dramatic change at the helm."
Pearce said when speaking on Off the Ball Radio: “No, my information is that his job is not in any jeopardy at the moment - and I don’t think it should be.
“Because, Liverpool are in those Champions League places despite all the problems they have had. When I speak to people who are senior at Liverpool, there is a lot of compassion and understanding for the things Slot has had to contend with.
“Not least the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July. You cannot just overlook something like that. It is impossible to quantify just how much of an impact that has had.
“I think he has made mistakes, there is no question about that. Last season, everything he touched turned to gold. This time around, tactically he has got it wrong at times. His substitutions have not had the same impact as last season.”
Continue Reading