Arne Slot has been told his time as Liverpool manager should come to an end, with the Reds boss having overseen a disappointing season. The Dutchman led Liverpool to the league title last term, but the 2025/26 season hasn’t proved nearly as profitable, with suggestions Xabi Alonso could be ushered in as a replacement.
In conversation with BBC Sport, ex-Anfield ace Danny Murphy suggested Slot is a dead man walking now the fans have turned against him. He said: "I think Slot's time is probably up.
“The main reason for saying this is not a dislike of him. I think he's a good guy and a very bright coach, but the reality is Liverpool's fanbase is as powerful as any out there, for all sorts of reasons. I think we are looking at an inevitable departure whether it is now or a few months into the season."
It had looked for some time that Alonso would be the natural heir to Slot’s reign, given the existing connection he already has with the Liverpool fans. However, the noise coming out of the Liverpool boardroom appears to be one of doubt, with suggestions they will defy the wishes of their fans and keep Slot heading into next season.
Meanwhile, Alonso is currently being courted by Chelsea, who themselves are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. It’s suggested Alonso would be open to taking over at Stamford Bridge, but needs to make a swift decision on whether he wants the job, or would prefer to wait for a vacancy at Liverpool.
Liverpool have two games of the Premier League season left and need one win from those fixtures to secure a top-five finish. The bad news for the Merseysiders is their two remaining league games are both against teams also battling for a top-five finish, with Aston Villa up next, before Brentford visit Anfield on the final day of the campaign. Liverpool enter the weekend above Aston Villa, but only on goal difference, while Brentford are sat in seventh.