Alonso Waiting in the Wings: Liverpool's Slot Under Pressure as Managerial Succession Plot Emerges

The managerial carousel continues to spin at Liverpool, with Xabi Alonso set to take the Anfield hot seat once Arne Slot's tenure comes to an end—provided the Dutchman fails to deliver a European miracle.

According to Spanish outlet OKDiario, the former Liverpool midfielder has struck a verbal agreement to assume control of the club from June onwards. The only escape route for Slot? Winning the Champions League with the Reds this term.

"Xabi Alonso already has a verbal agreement to coach Liverpool starting in June," the report states. "The verbal agreement would be nullified if Arne Slot wins the Champions League this season with the Reds."

Alonso, sacked by Real Madrid in January, apparently began discussions with Liverpool's representatives back in November 2025, when questions were already being raised about the Spanish club's direction.

The timing raises eyebrows given Liverpool's summer spending spree. The club invested over £400m in the transfer market to bolster Slot's squad after he steered them to the Premier League title in his debut season—a remarkable feat that has now become something of a millstone. Expectations were sky-high; reality has proven considerably messier.

Currently languishing in sixth place, Liverpool are just three points behind Manchester United in third, though their season remains very much alive across multiple competitions. They're still fighting in both the FA Cup and Champions League, giving Slot a pathway to salvage what has been a disappointing campaign.

However, Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke suggests the bar for Slot's survival might be lower than the Champions League trophy. In his assessment, the manager's fate hinges primarily on securing Champions League qualification rather than winning the competition outright.

"I think the only way Slot will be sacked would be if Liverpool failed to achieve their goal of qualifying for the Champions League, because that would be a huge blow to them financially as well," O'Rourke explained. "It would cost the club a lot of money, and obviously, all the players at the top clubs want to play in the Champions League so it would be a big blow to them as well."

The journalist pointed to Liverpool's recent stalemate against Wolves as a missed opportunity to strengthen their grip on the top-four race. With the Reds' title defence in tatters, the fanbase has grown restless—and rightly so.

"Liverpool fans are not happy with how their title defence has gone," O'Rourke added. "A lot will depend on what Arne Slot can do between now and the end of the season to finish in the top four, top five, and maybe win a trophy, whether that's a cup or Champions League, but it has been a disappointing season."

For Slot, the message is crystal clear: secure Champions League football at minimum, or make way for Alonso's arrival.