Xabi Alonso is being looked at as a possible replacement for Liverpool’s Arne Slott (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on Friday night knowing that a win could all but seal their place in next season’s Champions League. Arne Slott’s checkered season hit a new low when he was sent off the pitch after being booed by the Anfield crowd in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Speculation has since refocused over the Dutchman’s future, with some suggesting his position has become untenable. However, the 47-year-old is understood to still retain the support of the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, given that Slott was the mastermind behind Liverpool’s impressive Premier League title win last season.
Securing a place against Europe’s best competition in another campaign would definitely take some pressure off the slot. However, the news that currently unemployed Xabi Alonso is eyeing a job at Chelsea has caused a stir.
Today’s developments mean Slott has an interesting update on his future. Meanwhile, Alonso’s comments regarding his return to the Premier League are once again attracting attention.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding him, Slott confirmed he is taking part in talks with Liverpool’s leaders to plan for next season. The Dutchman revealed he is in talks with the club’s sporting director Richard Hughes about a summer deal.
When asked about the club’s summer plans ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Villa on Friday, Slott initially appeared reluctant to discuss his future, replying: “I know where I’m going on tour,” with Liverpool set to head to the United States for three pre-season games this summer.
Slott added: “Plans are in place and negotiations are ongoing between the club and the new players. If you want to know, I’m involved in that.”
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Asked if he would remain at the club next season, he said: “I don’t think it’s a decision I’m going to make alone, but I have every reason to believe that I’ll be Liverpool manager next season. Firstly, I’m contracted to this club and secondly, based on all the negotiations that we’re having, so yeah, that’s my view.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slott is under pressure. (Image: Getty Images)
“If it wasn’t our best season, we’d probably make a different argument, especially when compared to last season and other seasons. But this season definitely hasn’t been a great season when compared to last season.”
“It’s natural that there will be criticism and we’ve all done our share. The players, the manager, the people at the club have done their share. If we don’t win the league, that’s how things work out now.”
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Alonso’s Chelsea green light
Former Liverpool star Alonso’s comments about a return to the Premier League have resurfaced after he was linked with Chelsea’s managerial vacancy. The player, who represented Liverpool from 2005 to 2009 and became an icon as they won the Champions League, is said to be on the list of candidates to become the Blues’ permanent manager following Liam Rosenior’s sacking in April.
Chelsea are said to have opened talks with the Spanish international, with the 44-year-old reportedly keen to take over the reins at Stamford Bridge.
His previous comments suggest he is well-prepared to take charge in England. These comments are sure to further increase the hopes of Liverpool supporters who dream of seeing the Spaniard disdain the Blues in favor of the Reds if Slott loses his job this summer.
In April 2024, while still managing Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso said of speculation linking him to the Premier League: “You never know. At the moment there’s plenty to think about, but as a coach you’re still young and it’s certainly a good idea.”
