EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Arne Slot's future at Anfield and why the Reds should stick with the Dutchman despite the availability of Xabi Alonso
06:00, 21 Jan 2026
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso.
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso.(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has dismissed suggestions that Arne Slot should be fired, with Xabi Alonso now being available inevitably set to bring more chatter about the Dutchman's future.
Drawing each of their last four Premier League games, the Reds have struggled for consistent form lately. Liverpool is, however, still inside the Champions League places and on track to qualify for the top European competition.
And Murphy says Slot has more than enough credit in the bank to get the chance to improve things after he took over from Jurgen Klopp in 2024 and went on to win the league title.
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"The expectation was high leading into the season with the signings and the quality of football and the results just haven't come," Murphy told Liverpool.com.
"Even in this unbeaten run, there has been a feeling of disappointment with some of the draws and the level of performance, so I do understand the frustration, but I think Slot has earned the right to see out the season. I'm not on the same page as people saying get rid now.
"Some of that comes from Xabi Alonso now being available. There is an emotional connection there — I understand that — and he is a very talented coach. But I think you have to look at it irrespective of who is available or who's not.
"Slot came in the door after Klopp, which is a monumental job to do that, and he has won us the league. He won the league when nobody expected him to. That alone gives him until at least the end of the season, and then reassess where we are.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
"If this underwhelming level of performance carries on, then yes, there is an argument for a change. But with the amount of players that have come in and gone, and with the Diogo Jota situation, it has been quite a unique season in so many ways.
"I think that is a factor. A lot of the new players haven't settled as quickly as we expected, apart from maybe Hugo Ekitike.
"I also think the complacency from some of those who were there already can happen. Other than Man City, very rarely do teams go on to win it again, because you start to believe your own hype.
"The manager has to take some responsibility and I'm sure he knows that he's under pressure, but I think he deserves a chance to turn it around.
"I don't know if [Alonso being available changes anything] within the hierarchy, but the speculation is inevitable. Alonso has a great connection with the supporters and he is a very good coach who had great success at Leverkusen.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
"It didn't go well at Real Madrid but that is a huge job and there are difficulties around that. I think it puts more pressure on Slot in the coming weeks — if he was to lose in Marseille and then at the weekend, all of a sudden, it will grow because of Alonso's presence."
With Liverpool already out of the League Cup and likely to do enough to get into the top four or five in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League may take on increased importance.
While Liverpool will have to play well to win either competition, there is an argument that Slot's side is better set up at the moment to take on better teams that want to open up and play football against them.
"Liverpool can get in the top four with the players they have now if they stay fit, but the big gaping hole is defensively," Murphy, speaking in association with Spreadex Sports, said.
"We're conceding too many goals anyway and we just don't have any cover if Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate are not fit. I know there is frustration from fans about not going back in for Marc Guehi, but the reality is we need another top-class center-half.
"The young lad, Giovanni Leoni, got injured and Joe Gomez can't seem to stay fit and might be needed at right-back.
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"I'd be amazed if the window comes and goes and they don't bring in some defensive reinforcements — at least one.
"I think when you set the bar high, winning the title, and then you invest the money you have, silverware is just part of the job. Finishing in the top four but not winning anything would be a failure for Liverpool.
"Irrelevant of everything that has gone on, you're one of the biggest clubs in the world and Liverpool has always been judged on trophies. Slot knows that and the players know that.
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"The thing is, in 2005, just after I left, when they won the Champions League, the league form that year wasn't great. In Europe, you have the Anfield factor and sometimes a bit of luck in the draw.
"Liverpool still have a realistic chance of winning the Champions League and the FA Cup, especially if the draw is kind. Top four alone? I don't think that would be enough to save Slot."