Danny Murphy has weighed in on the future of Arne Slot at Liverpool, suggesting that there is only one man who should be considered to replace him — and not Xabi Alonso
16:43, 29 Apr 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says he is "torn" about whether Arne Slot should remain in charge beyond the summer — but the pundit has identified his preferred replacement.
The Reds look set to qualify for the Champions League and to stick with the Dutchman being at the helm next term, but Murphy says there are reasons to argue either way about the future.
"To be honest with you, I am torn," Murphy said. "A part of me does feel like Arne Slot deserves the chance to redeem himself after his brilliant first season. The circumstances he has had to deal with this season has been tough in many ways.
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"Normally, when you win a title, you don't lose four of your best players. Obviously, Trent Alexander-Arnold left on a free deal, Luis Diaz wanted to go, the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson hasn't really played.
"Arne Slot is a good manager and a good guy, and a part of me thinks we should wait and see if he can redeem himself.
"But the negative aspect and the reason why I am torn is that the drop off in terms of the performance has been so immense and they have lost so many matches. That is a mighty fall off and the performances have been really poor, which is a concern."
Murphy believes there is only one man who could take over from Slot — and it isn't the much-touted Xabi Alonso.
"For me, there is one outstanding candidate, and I think if they could get him, they would say, that is the man," Murphy, speaking to Betarades, continued.
Danny Murphy looks on
Danny Murphy is not convinced that Liverpool should keep Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)
"For me, the most outstanding manager, other than Pep Guardiola of course, is Luis Enrique. Could Liverpool maybe tempt him, especially if he wins the Champions League again, because what else can he then do at PSG?
"Maybe he would feel like he needs a new challenge. He is a phenomenal coach and when you watch PSG play, you kind of feel that is how I want my team to play.
"So maybe if they could get him, then I think they should maybe do it, but the rumors are they will keep Arne Slot, so hopefully the fans will get behind him. Again, the simple answer to your question is that I am torn, just like a lot of Liverpool fans are.
"Xabi Alonso is an outstanding new manager and he has that connection with the Liverpool fans, which always helps from an emotional point of view. There has been a lot of talk recently about the manager's connection with the fans — or maybe lack of connection.
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"Jurgen Klopp was obviously someone who was really engaging and brought the fans with him and had that wonderful relationship with the fans.
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"I understand the connection with Xabi Alonso, the only thing with Xabi Alonso is that he primarily is a possession-based manager, just like Arne Slot to a degree.
"I think Liverpool fans, at least from what we know, want a more risky, high-energy and all-in type of football. But he is a super, young coach so it wouldn't surprise me if we see him as a Liverpool manager at some point.
"My gut feeling is that it would be a risk but every manager is a risk, especially when you are trying to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal. There is no guarantee."