The future of Liverpool is uncertain, and the name of Xabi Alonso is once again emerging as a potential replacement for Arne Slot. However, within the club, there is significant uncertainty regarding this decision. Despite the evident problems under the Dutch manager’s leadership, the Reds’ management is not easily swayed by a high-profile name, even if he is a club legend and a promising coaching talent.
Xabi Alonso, a former midfielder for Liverpool and with experience managing clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, is seen as a plausible option, but not a unanimous one. His ability to win the Bundesliga with Leverkusen was impressive, but his time in Madrid raised questions, culminating in an early exit this season. Nonetheless, his name has resurfaced following Arne Slot’s recent struggles, as his Liverpool side has been losing momentum.
However, one of the main internal reservations concerns Alonso’s tactical style. The Spaniard prefers to play with three central defenders and very attacking wingers—a system that, while successful in Leverkusen, does not have a strong tradition of success in English football. This significant philosophical shift would require a complex adaptation for Liverpool, which has maintained a fairly stable tactical identity in recent years and has built its squad for a different model.
Arne Slot, despite the evident problems this season, still has a recent history of success, notably winning the Premier League in his first season. The numbers do not lie: in the 2024/25 season, Slot achieved an impressive 65.79% win rate over 38 games, but the following year, the percentage dropped to 45.16% over 31 games, demonstrating a clear decline in performance that is raising doubts.
The Liverpool board appears to be weighing whether it is worthwhile to pursue a radical change or if they should trust in long-term stability, avoiding hasty decisions. The strategy seems clear: resist the temptation of so-called “quick fixes” and invest in continuity that can ensure sustainable success, even if it means facing difficult phases.
With eyes set on the end of the season, the question arises as to whether Slot will be able to turn things around and justify the confidence placed in him, or if the pressure will indeed lead to the hiring of Alonso. Whatever the decision, Liverpool finds itself at a crucial crossroads that could define the club’s direction for the coming years. Expectations are high, and the next few months promise to be decisive for the English giant.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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