Arne Slot's future at Liverpool is in doubt, following the 4-0 FA Cup defeat at the hands of Manchester City prior to the international break, and Xabi Alonso is in the frame to replace him.
Micah Richards sends FSG warning about sacking Slot
After being knocked out of the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium, the Champions League is the only remaining trophy up for grabs for the Reds this season, although they will have their work cut out, with Slot's side taking on reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter final.
However, Micah Richards has suggested it is still too early to part ways with the Dutchman, given everything he achieved in his first season at Anfield, saying: “I’d like to see him get one more season. This season has been… I don’t want to say a transition, and I know a lot of people will say ‘Hold on, he’s spent a lot of money’, but their main striker [Alexander Isak] has been out [injured].
“I would like to see him with another pre-season and if next season it’s not going their way, then by Christmas, yeah, make the change. He’s a manager who has won the Premier League, let’s not forget, just last season.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on before the match
Alonso's availability isn't doing Slot any favours, with the Spaniard still a fan favourite after being a part of the side that miraculously lifted the Champions League in Istanbul back in 2005.
There has been constant noise about the former midfielder replacing Slot in the dugout, and it is clear to see why the 44-year-old would be an enticing option, having won the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup with Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso ready to return to management
According to journalist Romain Molina, via GFFN, Alonso is now Liverpool's priority target, having been out of work since being dismissed by Real Madrid in January, despite maintaining a solid record.
The reporter claims Slot is 'unlikely' to last the summer, and this comes after TeamTALK revealed Alonso is also open to the job.
A 3-2 defeat against Barcelona was the final straw for the 15-time Champions League winners, who have incredibly high standards, although sacking a manager with such an impressive points per game return still feels incredibly harsh.
GFFN add that FSG were eager to bring in Alonso, who prefers to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, identifying him as a leading contender, before deciding to opt for Slot.
The ex-Leverkusen manager has now re-emerged as a top target for the Liverpool hierarchy, with Slot likely to be sacked before the start of next season,, and he joins a Premier League title-winner on the shortlist.
Xabi Alonso real madrid training Related
Alonso upgrade: Premier League winning manager could replace Slot at Liverpool
A manager who is even better than Xabi Alonso could make a surprise move to Liverpool this summer.