Liverpool look set to keep faith with Arne Slot despite the failures of the 2025-26 season, but they could still hire Xabi Alonso if it doesn’t work out.
Slot has been under severe pressure for several months now, with the Liverpool fanbase split over whether or not the Dutchman should start next season in the Anfield hot seat.
After winning the Premier League in his first season, Slot seemingly has enough credit in the bank to convince FSG to keep him for at least one more season.
Gary Lineker believes that Alonso could take over in the summer, but that’s in direct contrast to reports from the most trusted Liverpool reporters in recent weeks.
However, if things go awry for Slot next season as well, Alonso may actually still be available.
Xabi Alonso urged to wait for the right move after rejecting Chelsea offer
According to Sky Sports correspondent Dougie Critchley, there is no need for Alonso to accept job offers until he feels the perfect one arrives, which may be Liverpool down the line.
Critchley said on X: “Xabi Alonso rejected Gladbach to continue to develop at Real Sociedad B…
“Xabi Alonso rejected Liverpool on the back of his unbeaten League and Cup double to continue to develop at Leverkusen…
“I’m staggered that people think he’d be keen to become the 7th permanent manager of Clearlake’s 4 year reign at Chelsea, 6 months on from being (I would argue unfairly) sacked by Real Madrid.
“I’ve been wrong many times before, I could be wrong on this… But I’d be amazed if Xabi Alonso took the Chelsea job.
“If the right offer doesn’t appear this summer, just wait. What’s the rush?! He’s 44, coming off the first “failure” of his career.”
Xabi Alonso rejected Gladbach to continue to develop at Real Sociedad B…
Xabi Alonso rejected Liverpool on the back of his unbeaten League and Cup double to continue to develop at Leverkusen…
I'm staggered that people think he'd be keen to become the 7th permanent manager… pic.twitter.com/RLKhMmZNTL
— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) May 5, 2026
Liverpool are gambling with the future by sticking with Slot
Much like Critchley, I am more than willing to hold my hands up and say ‘I was wrong’ if Slot stays and turns things around next season.
That said, it’s very difficult to provide evidence of anything the Dutch coach has done this season that supports the idea that he is the right manager for Liverpool in the long-term.
And if I am right, the fault isn’t even Slot’s. The blame will rest on FSG for picking Slot after Jurgen Klopp.