Ornstein drops update on Liverpool and Arne Slot following Xabi Alonso rumours | OneFootball

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has dismissed escalating reports that Liverpool are ready to replace Arne Slot with Xabi Alonso, revealing that the club hierarchy remains firmly committed to the Dutchman.

Despite a poor Premier League title defence that has seen the Reds slip to 10 league defeats this season, the internal message from Anfield is one of stability rather than reactive change.

Latest report from BILD stated that Michael Edwards has maintained a contact with Xabi Alonso, with suggestions that the Spaniard could return to Anfield to replace Slot next season.

However, Ornstein has moved to clarify the club’s actual position, suggesting that the “noise” surrounding a managerial change does not reflect the reality inside the boardroom.

David Ornstein says Liverpool plan to stick with Arne Slot

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast (via AnythingLFC_), Ornstein delivered an update on Slot’s job security, noting that the club is actively planning for the future with him at the helm.

Internally, the club believes that firing Slot is not on the agenda, regardless of mounting pressure following another Premier League defeat this past weekend.

He said: “All our information, despite reports to the contrary, is that Liverpool are sticking with Arne Slot.

“There’s no thought to changing coach. They are planning with him and their priority is to give him the profile of squad to succeed.”

Liverpool to make final decision at the end of the season

While the current stance is one of total backing, the pressure remains high as the 2025/26 campaign enters its final stretch.

Liverpool currently sit in fifth place, trailing Aston Villa in the race for the final guaranteed Champions League spot.

While the hierarchy is supposedly fully behind Slot, missing out on Europe’s elite competition would make his position increasingly difficult to justify heading into the summer.

With Xabi Alonso reportedly “ready” for a return to management and demanding a say in squad planning, the shadow of the Spaniard will continue to loom over Anfield until Slot can stabilise results on the pitch.