Gary Neville has outlined his theory about Liverpool after Xabi Alonso's move to Chelsea was confirmed earlier on Sunday, with the Spaniard signing a four-year contract
14:32, 17 May 2026
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Gary Neville believes the confirmation of Xabi Alonso going to Chelsea should bring an end to speculation about Arne Slot's future at Liverpool.
Alonso was confirmed as taking over at Stamford Bridge earlier today. He has penned a four-year contract and will begin officially on July 1 after being fired by Real Madrid in January when things didn't work out there. Over the past few months, though, with Liverpool struggling, plenty of fans have made the case for him taking over at the Merseyside giant.
"The signing of Xabi Alonso (at Chelsea) this morning did tell me that Liverpool are going to keep their manager," Neville said on Sky Sports ahead of Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest.
READ MORE: Xabi Alonso's first words as Chelsea manager as former Liverpool hero's appointment confirmedREAD MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alonso confirmed, Diomande move
"I'm happy about that because I genuinely think that a manager who has won the league 12 months ago deserves another opportunity.
"He is still in the Champions League and it is for Liverpool to worry about their own problems. I don't think they need Gary Neville telling them what to do, but it was a telling comment from Mo Salah."
Neville's final line was in reference to Salah's statement on social media that arrived on Saturday. The Egyptian appeared to take aim at the playing style that has been implemented by Arne Slot.
Xabi Alonso is the new manager of Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso is the new manager of Chelsea.(Image: Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
"He's pulled the pin out of a grenade and thrown it in the middle of the room — and he's on his way out of the room, by the way," Neville continued.
"All is not happy over there. It's not great and if it was a Manchester United player, I would be fuming.
"But what you can never do with this type of character and this type of personality and stature of player is keep them quiet.
"If they have got something to say, they are going to say it. And they are going to say it at the point maybe when you don't want to hear it.
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"That's what he's done. It's a telling comment and Arne Slot will not welcome it whatsoever.
"He will just want to get to the end of the season and get everybody out of there that's not going to be there next season."
Liverpool.com says: Will Alonso moving to Chelsea impact his ability to one day manage at Anfield? It is hard to say.
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He is taking a massive risk in taking the role, though. The way that Todd Boehly and co have run the show in West London so far is hardly proof that things are heading in a sensible direction.