Danny Murphy has revealed he was interviewed by Brendan Rodgers for a role on his coaching staff during the summer overhaul before he was sacked.
At the end of the 2014/15 season, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Rodgers after it culminated in a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke.
Instead of his departure during the summer, however, there were changes to his backroom staff, with assistant Colin Pascoe and first-team coach Mike Marsh the notable ones to move on.
Sean O’Driscoll and Gary McAllister took their respective places in changes that were designed as part of a shake-up, but ultimately only delayed the inevitable.
STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 9, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers and assistant manager Sean O'Driscoll during the Premier League match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Interestingly, Murphy told the BBC Sport that he was interviewed by Rodgers for a role in his new-look coaching staff that summer, but it was former teammate McAllister who got the job.
After only eight matches, it was all turned upside down anyway as FSG pulled the plug and sacked Rodgers, with Jurgen Klopp fortunately available to take charge – and we all know what that led to.
But with similar fears that FSG could also give Slot more time, only to still dismiss him early next season, Murphy can see the parallels.
Will FSG repeat Brendan Rodgers move with Arne Slot?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's owner John W. Henry and wife Linda Pizzuti during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He told BBC Sport: “What you’re doing then is taking the huge risk of banking on starting next season amazingly well, with everything going brilliantly.
“I think that’s unlikely, especially with the changes that are going to happen, so you’re then behind ‘the eight ball’ because you might have to take a decision when everyone else is kicking on.
“I think we are looking at an inevitable departure, whether it is now or a few months into the season.”
On what the next step would be, Murphy added: “It’s a great point to make the comparison with Rodgers and Slot, because there needs to be someone who’s in the wings and available who can take the reins now.
“Is there a suitable candidate who can move them forward? The obvious name out there is Xabi Alonso, who is available. He has got popularity, which is key because it gives you a few months’ grace.
“It also means everybody starts the season in a good place with a lot of energy.”
He continued: “If Alonso is a small risk, like anybody, you then ask, is he still better than the situation they’re in? Unfortunately for Slot, I feel the answer is ‘yes’.”
Various reports on Tuesday maintained Liverpool “intend” to go into next season with Slot at the helm, with David Ornstein stating Alonso is “not under consideration” at all.