Liverpool have plunged into yet more managerial chaos after confirming their title-winning head coach’s departure on Saturday. The Reds sacked Arne Slot less than a year after he guided the club to their record-equalling 20th English league title.
And the Liverpool plight is particularly cruel because the obvious romantic candidate is elsewhere. Chelsea announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso around two weeks ago on a four-year contract, tying the Spaniard to the club. He officially assumes the role of manager at Stamford Bridge on the first day of July this summer.
Alonso has strong sentimental ties with Anfield after sparkling as a midfielder for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009. He famously scored in their memorable Champions League final win against AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. Many a fan would have dreamed of seeing their ex-hero back in the home dugout.
But Alonso had been available since leaving Real Madrid by mutual agreement back in January of this year. There was no fairytale reunion for Liverpool as Chelsea moved swiftly, while Slot kept his job at the time. So the Reds have to look at options like Andoni Iraola as they enter their next major managerial chapter.
Liverpool Sack Title-Winning Boss Arne Slot
Liverpool’s fifth-place finish this season was desperately disappointing, and Slot’s stunning downfall came with brutal velocity. Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is already the early frontrunner to take over from the departing Dutchman.
And the Anfield hierarchy admitted in an emotional official statement that this painful decision had been anything but straightforward. Yet there is real sympathy for Slot, who brought unforgettable glory before everything fell apart around him this campaign.
Supporters are on tenterhooks awaiting confirmation of the manager who will be charged with the task of rebuilding a fractured and badly under-performing squad. Iraola will have players like former Bundesliga wonderkid Florian Wirtz as a key player in his ranks, if he does take the Anfield job.