Liverpool have endured a dismal defence of their Premier League crown and it remains to be seen whether Arne Slot will be in charge at Anfield next season
17:00, 07 Mar 2026Updated 17:00, 07 Mar 2026
Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp
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Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
The huge disappointment so far of Arne Slot's second campaign at Liverpool could prove pivotal in determining his Anfield future.
Following a woeful title defence, the Reds have appeared a mere shadow of their previous incarnation throughout much of the term. Presently languishing in sixth position after a record summer outlay of £450million, questions remain whether the Reds' dramatic failings might prompt a verdict on Slot's prospects and his long-term future at the club.
The Dutchman retains more than 12 months on the three-year deal he penned upon becoming Liverpool head coach in 2024. With only three months remaining in the campaign, it's a spell that could shape Slot's Anfield legacy, with success in either the Champions League or FA Cup perhaps crucial if he is to take charge for a third season.
Arne Slot before Liverpool's defeat to Wolves
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Arne Slot before Liverpool's defeat to Wolves(Image: (David Rogers/Getty Images))
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Arne Slot replacement verdict
With barely over a year remaining on Arne Slot's Anfield contract, a choice regarding whether to back or dismiss the Dutchman must be reached sooner rather than later.
Before his 2024 appointment, former Reds icon Xabi Alonso was allegedly Liverpool's primary choice to succeed Klopp but declined the opportunity to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, reports the Mirror.
Following merely seven months at Real Madrid, the Spaniard departed the club in January and has stayed unemployed, purportedly preferring to delay until summer before deciding his next role.
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the Liverpool job before taking on the Real Madrid role(Image: Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The 44-year-old Liverpool legend, who won the Champions League during his time as a player at Anfield, completed an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double with Leverkusen in 2024, winning the club's first ever Bundesliga title and first DFB-Pokal since 1993.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds ownership, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have identified Alonso as the "only name" they desire as the club's head coach this summer.
The report also states the dramatic fall from last season's championship-winning run has concerned the hierarchy.
It suggested while the club aren't currently considering replacing Slot, the 47-year-old understands that justification for this season's downturn will be demanded when the present campaign concludes.
Jurgen Klopp return
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(Image: PA)
Jurgen Klopp has displayed no indication of wanting to resume the relentless grind of football management, yet that hasn't prevented speculation linking him with a sensational switch to Atletico Madrid.
Presently serving as global head of soccer at the Red Bull organisation, claims regarding his contentment with his position - which Red Bull dismissed - sparked debate.
Following suggestions of his dissatisfaction, Spanish television programme El Chiringuito reported the German is in advanced discussions about replacing Diego Simeone - who enters the final year of his deal.
They assert that Klopp, 58, is negotiating with Mark Rowan, the CEO of Atletico majority owners, Apollo, about filling the shoes of the La Liga side's Argentine managerial legend.
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Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, emphatically rejected the claims, however.
He said: "This is total nonsense and completely unfounded. On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp's work. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That's where we are putting our full focus and our energy."