Liverpool manager Arne Slot hit back at questions about Xabi Alonso potentially replacing him at Anfield after the former Reds midfielder and managerial target was sacked by Real Madrid
20:50, 20 Jan 2026
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 20: Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaks during a press conference at Stade de Marseille ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Marseille and Liverpool in Marseille, France, on January 20, 2026. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot was asked about losing his job to Xabi Alonso(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has hit back at speculation suggesting Xabi Alonso could be poised to take over from him at Liverpool following the Premier League champions' underwhelming campaign.
The Dutch manager steered Liverpool to glory in his debut season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp, but Slot and his squad have encountered greater challenges this term, with some fans voicing their displeasure after the team's failure to overcome relegation-threatened Burnley at the weekend.
Alonso was strongly tipped for the Anfield hot seat when Klopp revealed his departure plans in summer 2024, only for the Spaniard to remain at Bayer Leverkusen. He subsequently moved to Real Madrid the following summer but was sacked last week after fewer than seven months at the helm of the Spanish powerhouse.
Liverpool, England - November 5: Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso and Liverpool manager Arne Slot speak at full time during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Alonso was previously linked with the Liverpool job before joining Real Madrid (Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
His sudden availability has sparked rumours he could make the switch to Anfield - a topic raised with Slot during his pre-match press briefing ahead of Liverpool's Champions League encounter with Marseille.
"He called me saying he will take over six months! No, no, no," Slot responded. "One of the weirdest questions I've ever got. What is there to say?
"I am working here for 18 months and I like my work here. Won the league, struggled more this season, that is obvious. The boos...no maybe I heard a few but it wasn't a lot but that is also normal that when you draw v Burnley, no-one is happy with that.
"But when the people went home, the emotions calmed down maybe they thought [it was too much]."
Real Madrid's Spanish coach Xabi Alonso reacts during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on January 11, 2026. Real Madrid appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as new coach on January 12, 2026 after coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent, a day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona, AFP reports
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Xabi Alonso is currently available after his recent sacking from Real Madrid(Image: AFP or licensors)
Alonso's final match in charge of the Spanish giants came in the Spanish Super Cup final, where they were defeated 3-2 by Barcelona. Madrid are also four points behind their Catalan rivals at the top of La Liga.
The Spaniard's tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu has been marred by clashes with several key players, including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Endrick.
He was also involved in an embarrassing moment with Kylian Mbappe following the final defeat when the French superstar appeared to undermine his manager.
Alonso appeared to want his players to give Barcelona a guard of honour during their trophy presentation, but no Madrid player followed him and Mbappe seemingly waved the Spaniard away.
It's been reported that Alonso was 'very unhappy' with Mbappe's behaviour, feeling the incident was a direct threat to his authority.
However, Mbappe showed no signs of a feud as he posted a farewell message to Alonso on social media. “It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe wrote. “Thank you for giving me the confidence since day one.
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“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”