Liverpool maintains faith in Arne Slot for the time being. But behind-the-scenes developments with Xabi Alonso are piling more pressure onto the decision.
10:22, 10 Feb 2026
Xabi Alonso head coach of Real Madrid during the Spanish Super Cup final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Xabi Alonso is a standout candidate if Liverpool parts ways with Arne Slot. (Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
At Liverpool, every failure to win raises the pressure, even if it's against Manchester City. Arne Slot can legitimately point to some encouraging elements of the performance, but the bottom line is another three points thrown away.
There is a very real risk of letting Champions League qualification slip away. While Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are yet to show any inclination to pull the trigger on Slot, that could be one factor which could force a decision before the end of the campaign if the situation deteriorates further.
And the other big variable is Xabi Alonso. While you never know what the meticulous Liverpool data gurus could be cooking up, the prevailing opinion is that the former Reds midfielder is the standout candidate in the event that Slot is relieved of his duties.
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In fairness to the incumbent Liverpool boss, there is some hint of irony about this verdict, given that Alonso and Slot have endured similar campaigns. Both underperformed expectations by some margin, the only difference being that Real Madrid's board is not renowned for its patience.
But the upshot of Florentino Perez's twitchy firing finger is that one of the most exciting young coaches in the world is currently available. Alonso's stint at the Bernabeu has not unduly damaged his stock, and he will be in the thinking of every top club considering a managerial change.
Indeed, Alonso can afford to be picky. Liverpool is in a privileged position, given that Anfield is one of just a handful of destinations the Spaniard would almost certainly accept straight away.
Unfortunately, Man City may fall into a similar category. And the Etihad outfit will be putting out some feelers, given Pep Guardiola's uncertain future beyond the end of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, celebrates during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Pep Guardiola is believed to be considering his future beyond the end of the season. (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Guardiola's contract does run for another season, but he has been at the helm for a decade now. There is an expectation in the game that he will not be with Man City for too much longer.
Etihad bosses are thought to be very keen on Alonso in the event that Guardiola goes. He's on a three-man shortlist with Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas.
And according to Football Insider, the feeling is mutual. Alonso would be open to the opportunity.
The report also claims that Liverpool is keen on Alonso if it parts ways with Slot. But the demand for the number one replacement massively raises the stakes of the decision.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot looks on ahead of the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on January 24, 2026.
The demand for Alonso ramps up the pressure on Slot, and on Liverpool's decision-makers.(Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Previously, the lack of obvious alternatives acted as something of a safety blanket for Slot. Whenever the question of his future was raised, you could legitimately ask who genuinely stood out as a convincing replacement.
Now, the opposite is true. Not only is there a very clear alternative, but it's a coach who is unlikely to be free for long.
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Liverpool is well within its rights to stick with Slot, who won the league only last season. While others may scoff, it's true that the big-spending summer posed a unique challenge, and that's before mentioning the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
But Hughes and co. must be keenly aware that they are now facing a very pronounced stick or twist decision. With Man City keen on Alonso, and the Spaniard open to the role, Liverpool's window to make the change will not be left wide open for long.