Liverpool Arne Slot sack decision made as Xabi Alonso gets green light | Football | Sport
Xabi Alonso has been touted as a potential replacement for Arne Slot at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on Friday evening knowing that victory could all but seal their place in Champions League football next season. Arne Slot’s turbulent campaign sank to a fresh low in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea as he was booed off the pitch by the Anfield crowd.
Ever since, speculation has once again focused on the Dutchman’s future, with some suggesting his position has become untenable. Yet the 47-year-old is understood to still retain the support of Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners, given that Slot masterminded Liverpool‘s remarkable Premier League title win last season.
Securing a place in Europe’s premier competition for another campaign would undoubtedly relieve some of the pressure on Slot. However, news that currently unemployed Xabi Alonso has his sights set on the Chelsea job has set tongues wagging.
Today’s developments see Slot offer a fascinating update on his future. Meanwhile, remarks Alonso has made regarding a Premier League return have come back into the spotlight.
Slot has confirmed he has been involved in talks with Liverpool’s hierarchy to plan next season, despite the uncertainty surrounding him. The Dutchman has revealed he has been in discussions with the club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, about summer signings.
When quizzed about the club’s summer plans ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Villa on Friday, Slot appeared initially hesitant to address his future, responding: “We know where we go on tour”, with Liverpool due to head to the USA this summer for three pre-season fixtures.
Slot then added: “Plans have been made, talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that if that’s what you want to know.”
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When pressed on whether he would remain at the club next season, he said: “I don’t think I’m deciding that alone, but I have every reason to believe I will be Liverpool manager next season. First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all, from all the talks we are having. So yeah, that is my take on it.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is under pressure. (Image: Getty Images)
“If you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season and the other season, maybe you have a different debate. But if you compare it to last season, this has definitely not been a great season.
“Then it is also normal that criticism comes and we have all had our share – the players have had their share, the manager has had their share, people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”
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Alonso’s Chelsea green light
Remarks made by former Liverpool star Alonso regarding a return to the Premier League have resurfaced following his reported links to the Chelsea managerial vacancy. The Champions League-winning icon, who represented Liverpool between 2005 and 2009, is said to feature on the Blues’ shortlist for a new permanent boss, following the sacking of Liam Rosenior in April.
Chelsea are understood to have opened talks with the Spaniard’s representatives and the 44-year-old is reportedly eager to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
His previous comments suggest he is well prepared to manage in England. Those remarks will undoubtedly fuel the hopes of Liverpool supporters who dream that the Spaniard will snub the Blues in favour of the Reds, should Slot lose his job this summer.
In April 2024, while still in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso addressed speculation linking him with the Premier League, saying: “You never know. At the moment, I have enough on my plate to think about, but I’m still young as a coach, and for sure it’s a nice thought.”
