Arne Slot has put pressure on himself by taking Liverpool on a concerning run and making some questionable decisions.
Hugo Ekitike was dropped from the eleven against Bournemouth this past Saturday, and the Reds went on to lose against the Cherries.
Liverpool are still yet to win a single Premier League match in 2026, and Slot’s future is being questioned.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Previously, there were concerns about who would replace the manager mid-season if FSG were to make a change.
However, that is no longer really an argument after Xabi Alonso was made available following his Real Madrid exit.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
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
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Xabi Alonso to Liverpool update
The Spaniard enjoyed much success with the club as a player and has shone in the dugout in Germany.
But right now, at least, Liverpool are not thought to be in contact with Alonso about the manager role.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
As per Fabrizio Romano: “He’s a former Liverpool player, so the connection is still very good. But at this stage, I can guarantee there are no negotiations ongoing between Xabi Alonso, his agents, and Liverpool.”
Romano went on to explain Liverpool’s stance on Slot, saying: “Liverpool remain committed to the Arne Slot project as of today. Then, of course, from now to the end of the season, we have to see how Liverpool will continue this season. Obviously, it’s not been a fantastic season so far for the Reds. So let’s see how the rest of the season will be.
“Xabi Alonso, if they decide at some point to part ways with Arne Slot, for sure will be a candidate because, again, the connection is very good. But if you ask me today what’s going on, no talks, no negotiations, no agreement, still no.”
How would you feel if Slot sent this XI out against Qarabag?
Four changes from Saturday…
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Qarabag
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Qarabag
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Liverpool could lose out on Xabi Alonso if they don’t act
The former midfielder obviously has a good connection with the club from his playing days.
But his track record as a coach has already seen him linked with other teams following his Madrid exit.
There has been talk that Alonso could move to Bayern Munich, where he also excelled as a player.
Elsewhere, it was suggested Liverpool and Manchester City could battle for the coach as the Sky Blues look at long-term successors to Pep Guardiola.
We have already seen FSG’s unwillingness to act quickly cost them Marc Guehi. They cannot afford to make the same mistake with their manager.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox