Journalist confirms former Liverpool star is ‘in the running’ to replace Arne Slot | OneFootball

Could Xabi Alonso Replace Arne Slot at Liverpool?

Liverpool’s season has veered sharply off course, and the scrutiny on Arne Slot is intensifying with each passing week. Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast Media Matters, journalist Lewis Steele did not hold back in his assessment to Dave Davis.

Reflecting on the defeat to Manchester City, Steele described it as “embarrassing,” adding, “there was no fight.” 

The criticism is not limited to a single performance. Steele was clear that this decline has been ongoing, saying, “none of the problems that we saw on Saturday were new,” and more damningly, “Slot doesn’t have the answers.”

The Reds’ struggles continued in their 2-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain last night, with a major task now on their hands in the return leg at Anfield if they are to make into the final four of the Champions League.

Player Performance and Dressing Room Concerns

Beyond tactics, the conversation highlighted deeper structural issues within Liverpool. Steele painted a bleak picture of a squad lacking belief and cohesion, noting, “every single player just is a shadow of his former self.”

More alarmingly, he suggested a disconnect between players and manager, stating, “they look like a team that’s given up and they look like a team that’s not playing for the manager.” He added, “I think Slot has probably lost the dressing room.”

Such claims carry significant weight, particularly when combined with reports of player behaviour and visible frustration. Steele did not shy away from criticising individuals either, pointing out moments where players appeared disengaged or lacking professionalism during matches.

Xabi Alonso Emerges in Liverpool Discussion

Against this backdrop, attention has inevitably turned to potential replacements, with Xabi Alonso emerging as a prominent name among Liverpool supporters.

Steele acknowledged the growing noise, revealing, “you’ve got 8,000 fans singing the name of Xabi Alonso.” He described this as “very telling,” reflecting a shift in sentiment among the fanbase.

However, he urged caution regarding any immediate conclusions. “I think Alonso would be in the running for Liverpool if and when Slot goes,” he said, before adding, “I don’t think it would be quite as clear-cut as that.” Importantly, he also noted, “if he goes somewhere in England, I do think it would be Liverpool.”

This measured view suggests that while Alonso is a serious candidate, the situation remains fluid, with multiple clubs potentially in the market for a new manager.

Photo: IMAGO

Fan Sentiment and Future Direction

One of the most striking aspects of the discussion was the evolving relationship between Arne Slot and the Liverpool supporters. Steele observed, “it’s been interesting to watch the fan base slowly turn against Slot this season.”

He pointed to communication and connection as key issues, saying, “he doesn’t seem to have a connection with the fans,” and criticised the messaging coming from press conferences, which “seems like excuses most weeks.”

The consequences of this disconnect are visible both on and off the pitch. Steele emphasised that supporters are no longer seeing signs of recovery, stating, “there’s quite a lot of games where I’ve gone into it thinking Liverpool will win this today and then 10 minutes in you go actually no they’re not.”

Ultimately, the pressure on Slot appears to be reaching a tipping point. Steele summarised the situation bluntly, “the book ultimately starts with Arne Slot and I struggle to see him turning it around. If anything, they’re getting worse.”

Uncertain Path Ahead for Liverpool

As Liverpool prepare for crucial fixtures, including their Champions League second leg with PSG, the stakes could hardly be higher. Steele framed the immediate objective simply, “you just want to see some fight.”

Whether Arne Slot can restore belief remains uncertain, but the growing calls for change, alongside the emergence of Xabi Alonso as a potential successor, underline a club at a crossroads.

For now, Liverpool’s future direction hangs in the balance, shaped by results, performances, and a fanbase that appears to be losing patience.