Liverpool boss calls replacement rumours bizarre amid speculation over his future
Arne Slot has firmly rejected suggestions that Xabi Alonso could be waiting in the wings at Liverpool. Speaking ahead of the Reds’ Champions League fixture against Marseille, Slot made clear he sees little logic in the idea and remains focused on his work at Anfield.
The Dutchman arrived at Liverpool under intense scrutiny after succeeding Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, inheriting one of the most demanding jobs in European football.
His first campaign could hardly have gone better, as Liverpool surged to the Premier League title and appeared to transition smoothly into a new era.
This season, however, has been far less comfortable. Inconsistent results and missed opportunities have left Liverpool struggling to match last year’s standards, with patience beginning to thin among sections of the fanbase.
That frustration was audible at the weekend, when Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley. The dropped points proved costly, and some supporters voiced their displeasure at full time.
The reaction added fuel to speculation around Slot’s future, particularly given recent developments elsewhere in the managerial market.
Slot’s answer on Alonso rumours
Alonso’s name has re-emerged largely because of circumstance. The former Liverpool midfielder had been strongly linked with the Anfield role when Klopp announced his departure, only to remain with Bayer Leverkusen at the time.
He later took over at Real Madrid but was dismissed last week after less than seven months in charge.
Those questions were put directly to Slot, who responded with a mix of disbelief and humour.
“He called me saying he will take over six months! No, no, no,” Slot replied. “One of the weirdest questions I’ve ever got. What is there to say?”
Beyond the rumours, Slot addressed the broader reality of Liverpool’s season, acknowledging that the contrast with last year has been stark.
“I am working here for 18 months and I like my work here. Won the league, struggled more this season, that is obvious,” he said.
Slot did not shy away from discussing the reaction inside Anfield following the Burnley draw, framing it as an emotional response rather than a sign of deeper unrest.
“The boos… no maybe I heard a few but it wasn’t a lot but that is also normal that when you draw v Burnley, no one is happy with that,” he said.
“But when the people went home, the emotions calmed down maybe they thought [it was too much].”