The writing may be on the wall for Arne Slot at Liverpool. After a dream debut season that saw him lift the Premier League title, the Dutchman's second campaign has turned into a nightmare—and the club may have already started looking for his replacement.
Reports from Spain suggest Liverpool have made a formal approach to Real Madrid, seeking information on Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard, a fan favorite from his playing days at Anfield, has been heavily linked with a return to Merseyside. This bombshell move indicates that the club's faith in Slot has all but evaporated.
Slot's current situation is dire. With just two matches left in the season—if he even sees them out—the pressure has reached a boiling point. The most telling moment came during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield, where Slot was audibly booed by the home faithful. It was a shocking result, especially given that Chelsea arrived on a six-match losing streak.
But Liverpool didn't just drop points—they were outperformed. Chelsea outran the Reds, becoming the first Premier League side to do so this season. They also won twice as many tackles, enjoyed more possession, and posted a superior expected goals (xG) figure. For a Liverpool team that prides itself on intensity, that's a damning indictment.
The decline has been dramatic. Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, having lost 11 league matches. They've conceded 47 goals across all competitions and suffered 18 defeats—a far cry from the title-winning form of 2024/25. The nadir came earlier this season when they endured their worst run of defeats since the 1950s.
Even Slot's tactical decisions have come under fire. Against Chelsea, he substituted teenager Rio Ngumoha, a move that sparked frustration from the stands and symbolized a growing disconnect between the manager and the supporters.
To his credit, Slot has publicly stated he is "100% convinced" he can turn things around, and he reportedly rejected an approach from Ajax earlier this season. But with the club now actively exploring alternatives, it feels like a matter of time—not if—before his reign comes to an end.
For Liverpool fans, the potential return of Xabi Alonso would be a poetic twist. The former midfield maestro has built a stellar reputation as a manager, and his connection to the club runs deep. Whether Slot survives until summer or not, the winds of change are blowing at Anfield.