Michael Owen has put his backing behind Xabi Alonso to be given the Liverpool manager job on one condition as the Reds icon gave his verdict on Arne Slot’s sack threat
07:00, 04 Apr 2026
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso has been backed for the Liverpool job(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Owen has backed Xabi Alonso to be named Liverpool manager, but only if Arne Slot fails to secure Champions League football.
Slot’s position is under intense scrutiny as last season’s Premier League winners have endured a terrible title defence. The Reds currently sit 5th in the table – 21 points behind league leaders Arsenal – and that gap will likely become a yawning chasm by the end of the season.
Pressure on the Dutchman has been turned up even more by the availability of Alonso after he was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season. The Spaniard was the favourite to be named Anfield boss before Slot was appointed, but he rejected the chance to return to his former club.
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot's job is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Will Cooper/Shutterstock)
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But now without a job and his dream move to Real Madrid ending in tatters, it appears likely that Alonso will be more open to the Liverpool hotseat this summer.
Speaking with the Daily Star Sport, Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, stated Alonso would be his first choice for the job but insisted Slot shouldn’t be sacked if Liverpool finish in a Champions League place.
He said: “I don’t think Liverpool should replace Arne Slot if Liverpool get into the Champions League for next season.
Michael Owen has issued a clear Michael Carrick Manchester United verdict
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Michael Owen has backed Xabi Alonso for the Liverpool job(Image: (Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock))
“Slot won the League in this first season and although we can’t argue there has been a drop off and whether you blame the manager, players, recruitment in and also top players leaving ..this title defence hasn’t been good at all.
“However with many factors and also small margins to take into account, Liverpool could have been in a better position. But it is imperative for Liverpool to secure a top five position and then you look at having a fully fit Isak next season, Liverpool can challenge again.
“But should Liverpool not secure Champions League football, then it is likely that Slot may not be in charge and also likely Alonso would be first choice, given what he did in Germany.”
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Fifth place in the Premier League looks nailed on to be a Champions League spot again next season given England’s top spot in the UEFA coefficient list. Liverpool are just one point above Chelsea in 6th and worryingly only three points ahead of Everton in 8th.
After the 2-1 defeat against Brighton on the south coast last Saturday, Liverpool’s fixture run doesn’t get any easier following the international break with Manchester City in the FA Cup, PSG in the Champions League, and just one of their remaining seven Premier League games coming against a side outside of the top 10 in Crystal Palace.