Arne Slott could have loved a real fairy story in his first spell at Anfield final season, however the Dutch tactician is feeling critical stress on his shoulders this time round.
The previous Feyenoord supervisor has already accepted the return of his twentieth home crown in 2026, however has additionally needed to take care of a public battle with attacking talisman and Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah.
Slott’s facet have fallen out of the Champions League locations after struggling a ultimate heartbreak after dropping 3-2 to Vitality at Bournemouth on the weekend.
Regardless of main Liverpool to Premier League success only a few months in the past, dissatisfaction was evident in sections of Anfield.
Slott could have acquired nice help over the summer time following the additions of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, however the 47-year-old has not been capable of get the very best out of his celebrity staff this season.
Following Xabi Alonso’s shock exit from Spanish giants Actual Madrid earlier this month, it’s no secret that the previous Liverpool midfielder has been closely linked with a possible return to Anfield.
Slott has already been approached by the previous Madrid boss on Merseyside as a possible successor, with strategies that these within the Anfield hierarchy are already planning his life below Alonso.
Alonso is able to reign at Anfield
There could have been a lot pleasure across the Spanish capital when Alonso was introduced as Carlo Ancelotti’s alternative on the Bernabéu final summer time, however the 44-year-old was largely flattered in Madrid.
Regardless of a formidable win over Bayern Munich and main Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga success in 2024, Alonso failed to seek out his footing on a return to Spain.
The previous Liverpool midfielder, pissed off after dropping 3-2 in Saudi Arabia to arch-rivals Barcelona within the Tremendous Cup on January 11, was relieved of his place after simply eight months in cost.
However regardless of leaving Los Blancos lower than a month in the past, Alonso is reportedly centered on finishing what might be a sensational return to the pink half of Merseyside.
Alonso could also be hoping for a protracted break earlier than embarking on a brand new journey this summer time, however it has been steered that the Spanish tactician is prepared to leap proper in if Slott is relinquished.
The now former Madrid supervisor could have fallen far in need of the expectations he had when he took over on the Bernabéu final summer time, however his repute would not seem to have been too tarnished.
: Xabi Alonso receives his first name from Liverpool!
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/fpFheNWxmV
— Touchline | (@TouchlineX) January 25, 2026
Liverpool are already planning targets for Alonso
Slott, who led Liverpool to a document twentieth home title, should still stay firmly within the Anfield dugout, however TEAMtalk on Tuesday reported that the Merseyside hierarchy are already planning for all times below Alonso.
Liverpool could have damaged a collection of monetary information by spending round £450m final summer time, however their big-money new signings haven’t been capable of finding their toes.
With Isak nonetheless on the sidelines for lengthy durations after breaking his leg final month, former Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkes has regarded like a shadow of the participant who acquired a fearsome repute for vitality final season.
France defender Ibrahima Konate has six months left on his present contract at Anfield, and TEAMtalk studies that Alonso desires to “unlock funds” for the summer time.
In addition to hypothesis over a attainable transfer for Tottenham ace Micky van de Ven, Michael Oliseh (Bayern Munich), Bradley Barcola (PSG) and Crystal Palace defender Adam Wharton are all mentioned to be on Alonso’s Liverpool want checklist.
() NEW: Liverpool have proven sturdy curiosity in Micky van de Ven.
(@Matt_Barlow_DM) pic.twitter.com/AuIDtNYpXa
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) January 21, 2026
