Arne Slot’s last chance? Pressure mounts ahead of PSG vs Liverpool with Xabi Alonso waiting
The former Liverpool midfielder has been reportedly identified as primary candidate to succeed Arne Slot as Reds crisis deepens
Despite delivering the Premier League title in his debut campaign with Liverpool, head coach Arne Slot now finds himself fighting for his professional future after a humiliating 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend.
The heavy defeat in Manchester was merely the latest setback in a season to forget for the Merseyside club, who currently languish in fifth place in the Premier League table. Now, pressure has mounted on Slot ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the prospect of missing out on Europe’s elite competition becoming a genuine possibility, reports have surfaced suggesting that the club is already laying the groundwork for a managerial change, with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso emerging as the preferred successor to lead a new era at the club.
Rumours circulating suggest the Dutchman has offered to resign at the conclusion of the current campaign, provided a suitable severance package can be negotiated with the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) board.
While the club has not officially commented on these claims, the lack of a public vote of confidence has only added fuel to the speculation.
Steven Gerrard addresses Liverpool return links
While the hunt for a permanent successor points toward Alonso, the possibility of an interim appointment has also been a frequent topic of discussion among supporters in the event Slot departs the team before the end of the season.
Steven Gerrard, the iconic former captain, was recently linked with a short-term rescue mission should the board decide to terminate Slot’s contract before the season concludes.
However, the likelihood of such a move appearing to dwindle, Gerrard himself has adopted a measured tone regarding a return to the dugout. Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss indicated he is open to the right project but remains content with his current role in broadcasting.
“Listen, I’m more ready than I have been. My family are back home at Liverpool, kids are all settled at school. I’m more ready than I have been; I’m all ears,” Gerrard stated when questioned about a potential comeback.
“But at the same time, I’m not chasing, I’m not searching, I’m not desperate. I’m in a good place, work-life balance is fantastic at the moment, but if the right opportunity comes, I’m all ears to listen to that.”
Liverpool vs PSG last five meetings
- 11/03/2025: Liverpool 0-1 PSG (UCL Round of 16 – PSG won on pens)
- 05/03/2025: PSG 0-1 Liverpool (UCL Round of 16)
- 28/11/2018: PSG 2-1 Liverpool (UCL Group Stage)
- 18/09/2018: Liverpool 3-2 PSG (UCL Group Stage)
- 24/04/1997: Liverpool 2-0 PSG (Cup Winners’ Cup)
