Before a ball was kicked in the 2025/26 campaign, many pundits anticipated that Liverpool would defend their Premier League title and finish top of the pile.
A lot of the predictions came off the back of the Reds’ impressive transfer window, which saw over £400m being spent on new additions on Merseyside.
The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz were brought in to make a difference at Anfield, but it’s safe to say the arrivals have struggled to make the desired impact.
Arne Slot’s men currently sit fifth in the Premier League at present, with their only realistic chance of a trophy this campaign now coming in the Champions League.
However, it remains to be seen how long the Dutchman will be given in the role, with frustrations growing week on week, given the struggles on the pitch.
Why Slot could lose his job as Liverpool manager
After winning the league during his debut campaign in charge, Liverpool fans thought they had hit the jackpot with Slot, with the Dutchman able to take the club to new heights.
However, his achievements at Anfield have been quickly forgotten this season, especially considering the struggles his men have endured on the pitch in recent months.
His side are out of the title battle with over a month remaining of the campaign, with the likelihood of no trophies being won this term now becoming extremely likely.
It’s safe to say he’s yet to get a tune out of the summer arrivals on Merseyside, but his own comments about the opposition certainly aren’t helping his situation.
After the defeat yesterday, he stated that Manchester City outperformed their xG, which was a major contributing factor to the heavy scoreline at the Etihad.
His position in the role is becoming ever more uncertain as weeks go by, with a change needing to be made if the Reds are to be competitive at the top of the table next term.
The boss who could be Liverpool’s next Klopp
Replacing fan-favourite Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager was always going to be a tricky task for Slot, but he immediately managed to get the supporters on side given his title win last term.
However, many fans undoubtedly still miss the German at Anfield, especially considering his phenomenal period in charge of the club between 2015 and 2024.
The 58-year-old won every trophy there was to win in England during his time at the club, even leading the Reds to Champions League glory back in the 2018/19 campaign.
Klopp achieved a 62% win rate during his tenure on Merseyside, with his personality and results on the field undoubtedly making him one of the most popular managers in the club’s history.
His return to leading the Liverpool legends for the recent charity match at Anfield only strengthened the fans’ love for him, but the hierarchy could look to appoint the next version of the German.
Xabi Alonso is a manager who’s been constantly touted with the role at Anfield and understandably so given his time at the club as a player between 2004 and 2009.
The 44-year-old is currently out of work after being relieved from his duties at Real Madrid back in January, that’s despite winning 71% of the games he took charge of.
He was previously the manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, with his near three-year spell in Germany putting him on the map and helping his managerial reputation.
Alonso won Leverkusen the league title for the first time in their history, even managing to do so whilst going invincible and avoiding defeat in every league game that campaign.
His side fell at the final hurdle and missed out on the Europa League title against Atalanta, which would have topped off a dream campaign for the Spaniard.
|
Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games |
140 |
|
Wins |
89 |
|
Draws |
32 |
|
Defeats |
19 |
|
Goals scored |
315 |
|
Goals conceded |
155 |
|
Points per game |
2.14 |
However, his availability could be music to the ears of the Liverpool faithful, with Alonso having the chance to become the club’s next version of fan-favourite Klopp.
He could emulate the German in moving to Anfield after previously thriving in the Bundesliga, with both winning the division during their respective periods at separate teams.
Like when Klopp arrived, the Reds senior team is in need of a reset and fresh ideas, with the free agent manager able to install a complete culture change with his preferred three-back system.
Whilst he’s only been a manager for a handful of years, Alonso has demonstrated his capability of winning trophies – something which is demanded by the fans on Merseyside.
Given the struggles of Slot over recent months, the club desperately need to hand the Dutchman his matching orders and avoid missing out on Alonso to another club.
He’s previously stated his desire to take the reins at Anfield, with the hierarchy having the perfect opportunity to make the match and help the club succeed once again.
Alonso’s three-back system may take time to be fully successful, but if he can emulate his success from his time in Germany in the Premier League, he could make the side as eye-catching as Klopp did at Anfield.