Delaying the sacking of Arne Slot did not cost Liverpool the chance to bring in Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

There have been suggestions that delaying the sacking of Arne Slot cost Liverpool the chance to bring in Xabi Alonso.

However, the new Chelsea manager was not viewed as a serious contender for the Liverpool job, according to The Athletic.

The club decided last week that Slot’s time at Anfield was over, despite previously indicating they would allow him to continue next season.

However, they took stock in the week following the end of the season and concluded that Slot needed to go.

The mood in the dressing room and among the fanbase was convincing enough to prompt Liverpool to act.

They are now in talks to appoint Andoni Iraola, and Alonso was never under consideration.

The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney claimed last month that the Reds did not contact the Spaniard despite some fans hoping he would join the Merseyside club.

Liverpool believed that Slot was a better fit for them based on data and other evidence.

Chelsea appointed Alonso on May 17, two weeks before the Reds parted ways with Slot.

The former Liverpool midfielder was on their radar when they were looking for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

However, he opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season before moving to Real Madrid.

He will now look to prove himself in the Premier League after success in the Bundesliga, and the Blues will be ready to back him in the summer transfer window.

Iraola is the favourite to succeed Slot. The Bournemouth boss has a huge job on his hands, given the size and history of the Reds.