Liverpool are now working around the clock to appoint a "genius" manager, who has been identified as a top target to replace Arne Slot.
Reds working on bringing in Slot replacement
The Reds have won their last two games on the spin, defeating Qarabag 6-0 in the Champions League, before going on to batter Newcastle United 4-1 in the Premier League, but their overall performance this season is still a cause for concern.
Despite investing heavily in the summer transfer window, the reigning champions have fallen way short of expectations, currently sitting in sixth place, 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and there are doubts whether they will be able to qualify for the Champions League.
Jamie Carragher has suggested Slot's future could be in doubt if he is unable to guide his team to qualification for Europe's elite competition, saying: "I think some of the criticism and the disrespect he's had from supporters is far too much, considering they won the league title last season, but if he doesn't qualify for the Champions League, he doesn't have a leg to stand on."
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It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will be able to turn things around in the final few months of the season, but FSG have now started looking at replacements.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Liverpool are now working around the clock to convince Xabi Alonso to return to Anfield, although there could be competition from Manchester City, who have identified him as a successor to Pep Guardiola.
The pressure on Slot is said to have reached 'critical levels', with his job hanging by a thread, given that the heavy investment in the summer hasn't done the Reds any favours on the pitch, and Alonso is a top target to replace the 47-year-old.
"Genius" Alonso could be exciting Slot replacement
The emphatic victory against Newcastle may have bought Slot some time, but if he is unable to lead Liverpool to Champions League qualification, the former Bayer Leverkusen manager could be an exciting replacement.
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In fact, Sky Sports' Felix Fischer has previously suggested the Spaniard could be made for the role, saying: "He is not only a genius tactician and in terms of how he prepares his team, but he is a gentleman. Everything he does, he does right.
"I imagine he will be the Liverpool coach one day."
The 44-year-old is still in the early stages of his managerial career, but he has already achieved a lot, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in the 2023-24 campaign, and he has a very impressive record across spells with Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso's managerial record
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Wins
Draws
Losses
Points per game
Liverpool shouldn't be hasty when it comes to replacing Slot, as the former Feyenoord boss did win the Premier League title in his first season, but if he does get sacked, Alonso could be the ideal heir.