Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 25 March 2026 19:30, UK

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Xabi Alonso is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace Arne Slot once he is sacked as Liverpool manager.

The Dutchman is under significant pressure at Anfield after a woeful season in which the Reds have won just 14 of 31 Premier League games.

The 47-year-old was appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp and became a hero when he led his new club to their second-ever Premier League title last season.

But this season has seen Slot undergo a dramatic fall from grace, with last week’s defeat away to Brighton reportedly sealing his fate.

Liverpool’s next manager will have a difficult job on their hands, with club legend Mohamed Salah announcing on Tuesday that he will leave in the summer.

Arne Slot closes in on Liverpool sack

Football Insider exclusively revealed this month that Slot’s future will be reviewed at the end of the season.

Liverpool fans have been desperate to see the Dutchman sacked for several weeks, despite the transformational effect he had enjoyed at Anfield last season.

But now, it appears that they are soon to get their wish. German outlet BILD reported on Wednesday that, after losing to Brighton, Slot is on the verge of the sack.

He will leave Liverpool in the summer, with an immediate dismissal only avoided due to their remaining chances of securing Champions League football.

Alonso is ready to take over from Slot, with the Spaniard available after leaving Real Madrid in January.

Three players ready to explode under Xabi Alonso

Should Alonso be appointed by Liverpool, he would immediately be reunited with two players he knows very well.

Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both made well over 100 appearances for the Spaniard in Germany, and thrived under him with a combined 140 goal contributions.

Both players have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, and surely would benefit from the 44-year-old’s return to Anfield.

Hugo Ekitike would also be a candidate for improvement under Alonso, considering the way Patrick Schick’s output exploded under the former midfielder.

But it may be, in fact, Ibrahima Konate who benefits the most. The centre-back is currently set to leave Anfield at the end of his contract this summer, but there is feeling that he could still be convinced.

Alonso’s work with Jonathan Tah may be exactly the type of example that he needs.

In just three years under his guidance, the defender went from a solid Bundesliga centre-back to a stalwart for both Germany and Bayern Munich.

Konate, who offers a similar mould, can replicate the 30-year-old’s impact under the leadership of Alonso.