A storm is brewing at Liverpool, with whispers growing louder that current manager Arne Slot could be shown the door as early as this week. Reports suggest that former Liverpool player and current Real Madrid gaffer, Xabi Alonso, has reached a ‘preliminary agreement’ to take the helm at Anfield, adding fuel to the speculation.
Liverpool’s current Premiership campaign has left much to be desired, with the reigning champions languishing 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal. This dismal state of affairs comes after two consecutive draws, leaving them precariously ahead of 14th-placed Crystal Palace by a mere seven points. The pressure is mounting on the Liverpool board, especially after a colossal investment north of £400 million in the summer transfer window failed to deliver the expected results.
Rumours abound from earlier this week hinted that the club’s hierarchy had made the ‘final decision’ not to retain Slot beyond this week. Sources indicate that the 14-point gap to Arsenal has been deemed ‘unacceptable’, given the significant financial backing Slot received.
Intriguingly, Spanish outlets are claiming that Alonso has a ‘preliminary agreement’ with Liverpool, hinting at a possible managerial change at Anfield. The situation at Real Madrid adds complexity, as Alonso is reportedly under scrutiny and might be at risk of dismissal should Real falter in their upcoming Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
While Slot’s tenure started with promise, the belief within Liverpool’s inner sanctum is that a managerial shift is necessary to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes. Alonso, well-versed in the club’s traditions and the rigours of the Premier League, appears to fit the bill. Speculation suggests that if Alonso becomes available post-Super Cup, Liverpool could act swiftly to install him as their new manager.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has weighed in on the situation, drawing parallels with the swift managerial changes at Chelsea and Manchester United this season. In his Liverpool Echo column, Aldridge articulated the precarious position Slot finds himself in, urging the club to show improvement or risk following a similar managerial upheaval.
Liverpool supporters and football pundits alike are now waiting with bated breath to see how the situation unfolds, with the hope that whoever takes charge can steer the club back to its former glory.