Keir Starmer isn't the only high-ranking official at risk of losing their job before the start of the World Cup, with Arne Slot's Liverpool tenure in jeopardy after so many setbacks throughout the campaign.
As the Reds continue to struggle their way toward the Premier League finish line, fans are beginning to fear that Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes are simply kicking the can down the road, maintaining their faith in Slot despite the piles of evidence that suggest this is not transition but retroregression.
The issues of the 2025/26 campaign do not invalidate Slot's achievements last year, winning the title after Jurgen Klopp stepped down and storming toward the PFA Manager of the Year award, but the gulf between that halycon year and the current term is borderline unbridgeable now, even though Liverpool should secure Champions League qualification (if they win one of their last two Premier League fixtures).
Arne Slot's Premier League Record
24/25
38
25
9
4
86
41
84 (2.21)
The noise isn't going to fade away over the coming weeks, and given that Slot is only a year away from the expiry of his contract, a decision is needed soon.
Who could replace Slot at Liverpool
As the FSG government postpone a tough decision, there is the risk that Liverpool are only strengthening their rivals' claim to the ascendancy.
Of course, Liverpool would need to ensure sacking Slot would be a successful gambit, and not a slide into deeper and darker waters. The likes of Andoni Iraola would be an interesting option, but the outgoing Bournemouth manager has no European experience (albeit plenty in the Premier League, with his Cherries side on course to play out on the continent next year).
andoni-iraola-chelsea
Instead, FSG may be tempted to move for a coach with a proven track record of delivering titles and challenging affluent superpowers. You may already have an inkling over who could tick that box.
According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Xabi Alonso's "dream job is to manage Liverpool", meaning FSG need to make a swift decision if they hope to appoint the one-time Anfield midfielder.
Alonso, 43, is one of the most sought-after young coaches in the world, toppling Bayern Munich as an invincible in 2023/24. Now, he's unemployed after a turbulent but brief stint in Spain with Real Madrid.
Chelsea consider him a leading contender to lead the BlueCo project over the next several years, and unless Liverpool make their move quickly, there's every chance that Alonso could front the Stamford Bridge project over the next few years.
Why Alonso could be a "genius" Liverpool appointment
Slot is a good coach, having led Liverpool to the Premier League in his first season at the club. However, he has now had that tenure turned on its head, and four Champions League fixtures against Luis Enrique have exposed a gulf between the Dutchman and the true cream of the crop.
Luis Enrique titles won (timeless)
Alonso might have lost both of his games against Slot's Liverpool, but he is a "tactical genius", as has been said by analyst James Lawrence Alcott, who might be in his coaching infancy but who has already achieved great things in Germany and saw his Madrid career ended before it had even began.
Much was made of Alonso's choppy eight-month spell at the Real Madrid helm, but he did a decent job during those early days, and Los Blancos' subsequent landslide only reinforces his coaching merit.
Xabi Alonso record at Real Madrid (timeless)
Given that the 4-2-3-1 boss (who is adaptable and showed in Germany that he is willing to implement a three-man backline) is touted for the grandest of stages, Liverpool could land themselves a manager on the same level as someone like Enrique, who has secured European trebles with Barcelona and PSG and who is on track to complete the Ligue 1-Champions League double this year.
Capable of breaking down tactics and conveying his focus with clarity and confidence, Alonso is a rousing manager, someone who would command respect and galvanise the struggling troops at Anfield.
He understands the club, and he has the hunger to rise to the top, having played at the highest level for many years during his playing days. If Liverpool make this appointment, he could bring the outfit back to the very peak of European football, rivalling Enrique's PSG in that regard.
It is sad that the mood has turned mutinous on Merseyside, but Liverpool have to react to this unwonted situation and return to the top of the European ladder.
Xabi-Alonso-Liverpool-career
Is Slot the man to lead the fightback? He has proved he can do it, of course, but if Alonso truly wants the job, and is currently being coveted by Chelsea, then FSG may come to regret holding off.
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