Liverpool is bracing for a significant overhaul as Arne Slot’s position as manager appears untenable following the club’s tenth league defeat of the season, a 2-1 loss to Brighton, Bild reports. While the underperformance of direct rivals may have spared Slot immediate dismissal, his exit is expected in the summer. Xabi Alonso has already been identified as his preferred successor, though he has indicated he will not take charge mid-season.
Salah Departure Opens Door for Fresh Start
The club is also preparing to say goodbye to superstar Mo Salah at the end of the campaign, despite the Egyptian’s contract running until 2027. Salah has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2017. His departure, alongside Alonso’s arrival, is seen as an opportunity to reset the squad. Liverpool has maintained contact with Alonso for some time.
On the pitch, the Reds have struggled this season. They have collected four points from their last four league matches and sit fifth, narrowly chasing Champions League qualification. Aston Villa currently hold fourth place, five points ahead, despite only three points from their last four games. Chelsea, one point behind Liverpool in sixth, has similarly managed only three points from the last twelve available.
Slot Defends His Record
Slot has defended his tenure, downplaying the club’s €500 mln summer investment including Florian Wirtz, pointing out that more than €300 mln was recouped through player sales such as Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. However, he has struggled to turn the talent into a consistently functioning team. This has prompted the club to target Alonso for the summer.
Alonso Set to Take Over
Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards first tried to recruit Alonso in spring 2024, but the Spaniard declined, having just led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, completing the season undefeated. Contact has remained ongoing ever since, even during Slot’s successful first season following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Alonso’s advisor, Inaki Ibanez, confirmed that Liverpool has made concrete enquiries and Alonso is ready to accept an offer if his conditions, particularly influence over squad planning, are met.
Alonso’s experience at Real Madrid, where he faced restrictions on player choices and a difficult introduction during the Club World Cup, has made him cautious. He is expected to join Liverpool only in the off-season, not for the immediate run-in of the current league and Champions League campaign.
A Clear Vision for the Reds
Alonso is credited with instilling tactical clarity, strengthening team mentality, and developing star players. His return to Anfield is seen as a chance to fully realise Liverpool’s potential, building on the progress of Florian Wirtz, who has become a key creative figure for the club. At Liverpool, Alonso is likely to be more hands-on in coaching than at Real, focusing on daily development and team cohesion rather than managing star egos.
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