Arne Slot is facing increasing pressure at Liverpool as speculation grows over Xabi Alonso, and one pundit has suggested it will just be a matter of time before the current Reds boss is replaced
13:46, 11 May 2026
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool and Xabi Alonso the head coach / manager of Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England
Xabi Alonso has been linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has predicted Arne Slot will be fired by Liverpool this summer, and Xabi Alonso will replace him.
The pressure is building on Slot as what has been a dismal season for the Reds draws to a close. With just two games remaining, Liverpool still hasn’t sewn up Champions League qualification, and it could be in for an uncomfortable final day if it drops more points at Aston Villa on Friday.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea saw more discontent among the Anfield crowd. Slot was booed after his decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha during the second half, although it was explained afterwards that the young winger had been struggling with his fitness.
READ MORE: Liverpool Transfer News and Rumors Today LIVE: Juventus advances on AlissonREAD MORE: Aston Villa slip-up changes Liverpool top-five picture as team drops out of race
Nevertheless, patience appears to be wearing thin among supporters. It’s not the first time boos have rung around Anfield this season, with the Reds having dropped 19 points at home with one game still to go.
That has added fuel to the speculation that Liverpool could look to replace Slot this summer, with fresh reports suggesting that contact has been made to sound out Xabi Alonso as his replacement.
And Leboeuf feels it will just be a matter of time before the former midfielder is confirmed as Slot’s replacement.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 9, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom
The pressure is building on Liverpool boss Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)
“I was at Wembley [for the Community Shield] where we already saw what was left from Jurgen Klopp, almost nothing,” Leboeuf told ESPN. “Slot brought in new players, but no good tactics I would say, according to what he had.
“And we saw that team going down and down. So I think that’s somewhat the end of it. I don’t see how he can turn it to a better team.
“He said that he had almost the recipe for next season. I don’t know how he’s going to do it, saying that he can prepare but there is the World Cup so I don’t see that coming.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
“I don’t think the board will wait and especially because they have Xabi Alonso available. Well, why will they wait for Slot to find something different? I think they’re going to get rid of him. I think they’re going to get Xabi Alonso and all the fans will be very happy.”
Article continues below
As things stand, Liverpool is understood to still be backing Slot, with the Dutchman seemingly already making plans ahead of the summer transfer window.
"Yeah, I do [think I can win the fans back],” he said after Saturday’s draw with Chelsea.
“Not this season, by the way. This season they will have their opinion and it will not change but if we can have the summer that we are planning to have, I am 100 percent convinced we will be a different team next season than we are now.”