Liverpool are set for showdown talks with Arne Slot this summer and David Ornstein has now shared an update on the links to Xabi Alonso.
Slot calls for strong Liverpool finish
Slot believes Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League could help them in their quest to qualify for the competition again next season.
The Reds’ sole focus now will be on trying to secure a spot in the Premier League’s top five following their 4-0 aggregate loss to Paris St Germain in the quarter-finals.
That came hot on the heels of an equally heavy defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup but does leave Slot’s men with a lighter schedule than some of their rivals.
Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Fulham means they sit in fifth place, four points ahead of Chelsea and three behind Aston Villa and Manchester United with six games remaining.
Arne-Slot-Liverpool-PSG
Reds boss Slot said: “If you look at the 15, 20, 25 players with the most minutes this season, a lot of them are from us.
“That tells you a lot and one of the reasons why we have been a bit inconsistent, maybe why we have conceded so many late goals, because it is always the same players.
“Maybe from that perspective, it is a good thing we are not in Europe any more, but I would definitely prefer to play in Europe because that also gives an energy to the group if you go to the semi-final of the Champions League.
“I don’t see it as a positive thing we are out but it is the reality and we have a bit more training time now.”
Fabrizio Romano revealed this week that the Dutchman will have talks with Liverpool's owners this summer to discuss his future and summer plans, including potential signings and exits.
Liverpool's record signings Fee Signed from Year
Alexander Isak £125m Newcastle 2025
Florian Wirtz £116m Bayer Leverkusen 2025
Virgil van Dijk £75m Southampton 2018
Hugo Ekitike £69m Frankfurt 2025
Alisson £67m Roma 2018
Darwin Nunez £64m Benfica 2022
Dominik Szoboszlai £60m RB Leipzig 2023
Jeremy Jacquet £60m Rennes 2026
Naby Keita £48m RB Leipzig 2018
Fabinho £44m Monaco 2018
Of course, that showdown will go very differently if the Reds drop out of the top five in the coming weeks, and Ornstein has now shared his information on what comes next at Anfield.
Xabi Alonso to Liverpool update
Xabi-Alonso-Liverpool
Speaking in a fan question and answers session for The Athletic, the reporter revealed that despite strong links to former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, he is not currently in FSG's thinking.
"I’m not aware of Alonso being on Liverpool’s agenda.
"People might not like to hear that - and if I’m proved wrong, you can all laugh at me. However, I can only relay the information I source and corroborate at a particular time: Liverpool’s intention is to continue with Slot."
Alonso was replaced in January by another former Red, Alvaro Arbeloa, but Madrid have won just 13 of 21 matches since the change, suggesting there were deeper problems at play than Alonso's coaching.
However, it seems the favourite to take over at Anfield if Slot is sacked is actually Andoni Iraola, who is said to be open to joining a big Premier League club this summer.
Liverpool fans - Anfield Related
["One of the best managers in the Premier League" open to joining Liverpool](https://www.footballfancast.com/liverpool-arne-slot-exclusive-andoni-iraola-open-to-anfield-move/ ""One of the best managers in the Premier League" open to joining Liverpool")
The Reds have a huge decision to make...
Richard Hughes is a big fan of the Bournemouth boss, who is set to leave the Cherries at the end of his contract this summer.
iraola record
Reds fans, who would you prefer to join if Slot departs? Let us know in the comments below!