With growing claims Arne Slot is set to be backed as Liverpool head coach this summer, claims of an approach for Xabi Alonso have been downplayed again.
Slot is set to lead Liverpool to a place in next season’s Champions League, with a top-five finish achieving the minimum objective for his second season in charge.
There remain glaring issues with the performances seen on the pitch, as even Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace saw the Reds create a lower rate of xG (1.14-2.26) as well as fewer shots and big chances than their opponents.
But the message on Merseyside and beyond is that Liverpool and owners Fenway Sports Group intend to stick with Slot heading into the summer.
That contrasts with previous claims from Germany that the club were pursuing Alonso as their next head coach – and in an update over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano has insisted no talks have taken place.
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“Someone in Germany is even saying ‘it’s already done, Xabi Alonso is very close to Liverpool’, but at the moment I’m not aware of this,” he said on YouTube.
“I’m not aware of Xabi Alonso already being in talks with Liverpool.
“Liverpool have not approached Xabi Alonso so far.
“If they do that in June or whenever, I will let you know, but at the moment I’m not aware of Liverpool making any approaches for Xabi Alonso.”
Arne Slot set for internal review: ‘No message on sack’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Slot’s position appears safe at this stage, Romano also explained that the Dutchman will be subject of an internal review at the end of the campaign.
That is a normal situation, of course, particularly given he will only have a year left on his contract and Liverpool have struggled throughout 2025/26.
“The understanding is that at the end of the season there will be a review at Liverpool, involving everyone, to decide what is going to happen at the club in the future,” Romano continued.
“But at the moment, Arne Slot has always received support from the owners and from the club.
“That remains the case. At the moment Arne Slot is not receiving any message about the possibility of being fired at the end of the season.”