Liverpool have now failed to win any of their opening five Premier League matches of 2026
A 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions suggested things were far better than they actually were at Anfield.
But a brief glance at some of the performances and results during that spell shows things were not going.
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Liverpool then lost to Bournemouth this past weekend, and there has once again been talk around Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot.
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Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Why Liverpool would replace Arne Slot
Liverpool fans have watched their side slip out of the top four on the back of Saturday’s defeat, while Manchester United, who changed managers recently, have taken their place and picked up two big wins in two.
However, at least for now, it doesn’t appear as though FSG will be following in Man Utd or Chelsea’s footsteps.
Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs said results would need to ‘decline considerably’ before Liverpool make a change.
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He stated: “Liverpool retain the backing of Arne Slot. I think Liverpool’s plan is to review things at the end of the season. It would still be a surprise if Liverpool made any kind of mid-season change. Results would have to decline considerably.
“Liverpool haven’t had their head turned by the availability of Xabi Alonso. They had him as one of the leading candidates before Slot was appointed. And it probably is fair to say if Arne Slot goes at any point, then Xabi Alonso will be one of the leading candidates, if not the leading candidate.
“But Liverpool are not thinking of replacing Slot yet. They want to back him. Xabi Alonso would like to manage in the Premier League.”
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Qarabag players line up for a squad picture before their UEFA Champions League match against Ajax at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Resul Rehimov/Anadolu).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Resul Rehimov/Anadolu
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Would Liverpool hire an interim manager?
Alonso has, of course, been mentioned a great deal since he left his post at Real Madrid earlier this month.
The Spaniard may well be the ideal candidate to take over at Anfield in the long-term, but it remains to be seen whether he would take a job mid-season.
If Alonso prefers to take a break for any reason, however, it has previously been said that an interim manager replacing Slot cannot be ruled out.
Steven Gerrard seems the clear candidate for that role if it becomes available, given his experience in the dugout and obvious connection to the club.
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