Despite winning the Premier League during his debut year at the helm, Liverpool boss Arne Slot is a man under huge pressure to maintain his status as manager.
The Dutchman has lost a staggering 16 games across all competitions this term, with the Reds currently sitting in a measly fifth place in the Premier League.
His side have been dumped out of all English cup competitions, with the only chance of the club securing any silverware in 2025/26 coming in the Champions League.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on before the match
However, the 2-0 defeat against PSG in the first leg of the quarter-final last night has handed the Reds an uphill challenge to reach the next stage of the competition.
As a result, his future has been put in huge doubt over recent hours, with numerous options emerging on the radar to potentially take the reins on Merseyside.
European boss now favourite to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
After his previous spell in charge of Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp has been named as one possible option for the Reds should Slot be handed his marching orders.
The German has been out of management after leaving the Merseyside outfit in the summer of 2024, but a surprise return could well be on the cards.
Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull Jurgen Klopp before the game
It remains to be seen if the 58-year-old would be open to an Anfield return, but his previous nine-year period will no doubt play a huge part in supporters’ desire for him to replace the Dutchman.
However, Klopp certainly isn’t the favourite for the role at present, with former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso the man who looks set to be the hierarchy’s main target.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds have been given an indication that the Spaniard would be open to a return to management after being sacked by Real Madrid in January.
The report also states that the 44-year-old is the hierarchy’s obvious choice and clear frontrunner to replace Slot in the near future, with FSG not hesitating to make a change if needed.
Xabi Alonso record at Real Madrid (timeless)
A mutual interest between the two parties has been established in recent months, but no direct talks have yet been held over completing a formal move to land the young boss.
Why Alonso would be Benitez 2.0 for Liverpool
Liverpool have often been the home to countless impressive managers who have handed the fanbase memories that will last a lifetime - none more so than Rafa Benitez.
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The Spaniard spent six years at the helm at Anfield between 2004 and 2010, subsequently winning two trophies, including the iconic Champions League comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul.
He and Klopp are the only two managers to achieve such a feat on Merseyside since the turn of the millennium, with both undoubtedly writing their names in the Reds’ history forever.
During his 350 games in charge of the club, the 65-year-old achieved a remarkable 55.4% win record, which places him fourth in the club’s all-time record books.
Whilst his departure 16 years ago was undoubtedly the right decision, the Reds could be about to appoint their next version of the Spaniard with a move for his compatriot, Alonso.
Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid
As previously mentioned, he’s the leading candidate to replace Slot at Anfield in the near future, with the 44-year-old potentially emulating Benitez should he take the reins.
He would be moving to Anfield after departing a LaLiga club, with the former manager moving to Merseyside after leaving Valencia just a month before his appointment.
During his time at the Estadio de Mestalla, he even managed to win the Spanish top-division against all the odds, beating the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid to the title.
Alonso has mirrored such a feat in the Bundesliga during his short managerial career, subsequently claiming the league title in his first full season back in 2023/24.
Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen
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The Spaniard even managed to break a German record in going undefeated during such a triumph, securing Bayer Leverkusen their first-ever top-division title.
He also achieved a staggering 64% win rate during his three years at the BayArena, ultimately leading to a dream move to manage former side Real Madrid.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso
However, whilst his spell at the Bernabeu failed to take off, it could be to Liverpool’s gain, with Alonso now able to secure a dream return to Anfield and manage the side he used to play for.
His comparison to Benitez is there for all to see, with the Spaniard able to follow in his compatriot’s footsteps in leading the club back in the right direction.
The 44-year-old has already gained a reputation for thriving on the big stage - just as Benitez did at Anfield - which could make him the next manager to succeed on Merseyside.
Should he replace Slot in the near future, it would be an appointment that would generate huge excitement, especially if he can bring the feel-good factor back to the club.
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