**Arne Slot has laughed off Liverpool’s links to Xabi Alonso as his replacement.**
Alonso was [previously in contention for the Anfield hot seat](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/52114-jurgen-klopp-endorses-standout-xabi-alonso/) before Slot’s eventual appointment but instead elected to take the reins with former club Real Madrid.
The World Cup-winning midfielder’s shock departure from the Bernabeu last week has heightened speculation that he could again be on the Reds’ radar this summer.
But ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Marseille, Slot was asked whether he had spoken to Alonso amid the growing rumours about his return.
“Yeah, he called me,” the Liverpool head coach joked.
“He asked, ‘What do you think about the team, because I’m going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more’, or maybe earlier? Maybe he takes over tomorrow!
“This is one of the most weirdest questions I’ve ever got!
“What’s there to say to your \[question\]? I’m working here now for a little bit more than one-and-a-half years, and I really like my work over here.
“Won the league last season, struggled more in the league this season. That’s also obvious.
“So yeah, what’s there left to say?”