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 Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards decided that Slot’s time at the Anfield club was over last week, with the former delivering the news to him on Saturday morning.

Liverpool had previously indicated that they were going to stand by the Dutchman and allow him continue until next season.

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

The mood within the dressing room and the fanbase was convincing enough to get Liverpool to act.

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

The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney reported last month that the Reds did not get in contact with the Spaniard despite some fans hoping he would take over the Merseyside club.

Liverpool believed at the time that Slot was a better manager for them due to data and other evidence.

Chelsea appointed Alonso on May 17, two weeks before the Reds parted 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 and the former Bournemouth boss has a huge job on his hands given the size and history of the Reds.