Liverpool takes on Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday and before the game Arne Slot was asked a bizarre question about Xabi Alonso replacing him
19:23, 20 Jan 2026Updated 19:33, 20 Jan 2026
Arne Slot speaks to the media in Marseille
Arne Slot speaks to the media in Marseille(Image: YouTube/LFC)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was left baffled by a question regarding Xabi Alonso succeeding him at Anfield during his press conference before the game with Marseille.
Alonso was fired by Real Madrid earlier this month and has been touted for a potential future move to Merseyside, having been linked with the post before Slot's appointment.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks after a winless run of four matches, with some fans booing the draw with Burnley at the weekend. Yet, Slot retains the full backing of the Anfield board, who have no plans to make a change after the Dutchman won the Premier League in his debut season.
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Slot faced the media in France on Wednesday ahead of the Champions League game and was asked a bizarre question about Alonso replacing him at Anfield.
The reporter asked: "What do you think of the rumors with Xabi Alonso and Liverpool?
"Does it hurt you and do you feel the pressure from your fans who are booing the team? Maybe you spoke to Xabi?"
A puzzled Slot quipped: "Yeah, he called me and asked about the team as he is going to take over in six months! Or maybe earlier, maybe he takes over after tomorrow!
"This is one of the weirdest questions I have ever received. I am working here for over one and a half years and I am enjoying my work. I won the league last season and obviously we have struggled in the league this season. I don't know what to say."
Xabi Alonso is being tipped to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach.
(Image: Getty Images)
On the boos at full time against Burnley, he added: "Maybe I heard a few boos last weekend but it wasn't a lot. If you draw at home to Burnley, not everybody is going to be happy with that.
"When people got home, when emotions calmed down, they were maybe more positive. But we are in a results business."
Liverpool has welcomed Mohamed Salah back into the fold after the Africa Cup of Nations and he will return to the squad while Ibrahima Konate's involvement remains unclear.
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The Frenchman is already in his homeland for a family matter and did not travel with his teammates but Slot has not ruled out him featuring. He added: "Ibou didn’t travel with us because of family matters. I will speak at that. I will speak to him tomorrow again. I will leave it with that."