Why Liverpool did not appoint Xabi Alonso as new Arne Slot sack decision made | OneFootball

Chelsea have swooped to snap up the former Reds midfielder as their new manager

Liverpool never attempted to hijack Chelsea's talks for Xabi Alonso due to three reasons which have kept Arne Slot in a job.

It leaves Slot in a stronger position as Liverpool manager, despite overseeing a torrid campaign.

Liverpool's hopes of retaining their league crown were all but over before December following a run of six defeats in seven Premier League games, as questions began to be raised over Slot's long-term future.

Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso

London Standard

A record-breaking £450million summer outlay, which included smashing the British transfer record twice on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, did not produce the dominant title defence some predicted.

And with two games of the season to go, Liverpool have still not confirmed their qualification for next season's Champions League, a failure which would severely hamper the club's finances.

Friday's alarming 4-2 loss to Aston Villa, who did seal their spot at Europe's top table in the process, prompted a stinging statement from departing star man Mohamed Salah, who took aim at Slot's tactics.

It is not the first time the pair's reportedly tense relationship has hit the headlines, and further piles the pressure on Slot to produce results.

But Slot is safe for now, and in discussions over next season.

I have every reason to believe that I am the Liverpool manager next season

Arne Slot

Ahead of defeat at Villa Park, Slot declared: “I have every reason to believe that I am the Liverpool manager next season.

"First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all from all the talks we are having.

"Plans have been made and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that, if that is what you want to know."

Slot has seemingly lost the backing of the fans, most evidenced by loud boos at Anfield when he chose to substitute young star Rio Ngumoha against Chelsea.

But owner FSG are stick with Slot for three reasons, according to journalist Ben Jacobs: the decline in form of Salah, the significant squad changes after a huge transfer spend, and the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

FSG are prepared to give Slot longer to move on from these mitigating factors, as Alonso leads another new era at Chelsea.