'Make the call': Joe Cole says there's an 'absolute nailed on Liverpool manager' who could replace Arne Slot

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Liverpool are running the risk of losing out on a perfect fit of a manager in Xabi Alonso if they choose to stick by Arne Slot.That’s according to former Reds winger Joe Cole, who has claimed that Alonso looks like a ‘nailed on’ Liverpool manager.Slot continues to come under pressure at Anfield having now crashed out of both the FA Cup and Champions League, and with Alonso waiting in the wings, Cole has urged Liverpool to make the change. Is Andoni Iraola the right man to replace Arne Slot this summer? 🤔 Credit: Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Cole thinks Alonso would be ideal at LiverpoolThere is no question that Alonso’s January sacking from Real Madrid has made life more complicated for Slot, who suddenly had a popular potential successor hovering over him.For now, it looks probable that the Dutchman will somehow survive what has been a hugely disappointing second campaign, with the Liverpool ownership inexplicably behind him.Nevertheless, Cole says that while it is admirable to stick by a league-winning manager through tough times, the availability of Alonso means FSG should pull the trigger on Slot.“Under normal circumstances, I’d say no,” Cole told TNT Sports when asked if Slot might be relieved of his duties.Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes likely to leave Liverpool together next year”He’s had a lot to deal with this season, but the fact Xabi Alonso’s available, and with his history at Liverpool, it makes his position precarious.“So Liverpool will have to stick to type with what they usually do, back their managers and give them time, or make the call now because if they don’t, somebody will take Xabi Alonso.

So that’s the only reason that his future’s in the balance.”I think it might be the only time you can get him and I think he’s an absolute nailed on Liverpool manager.” Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season? Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto Ornstein: Liverpool unlikely to agree with ColeAlthough Cole is certainly right – at least in the eyes of supporters – the Reds seem likely to pass up the chance to hire Alonso and continue with a manager who has led them into the abyss this season.

As per journalist David Ornstein on The Athletic Football Podcast this week, the Liverpool owners are seemingly determined to give Slot another chance at getting things right.“All of our information is that FSG, the ownership, the sporting hierarchy at Liverpool – they intend to stick with Arne Slot,” Ornstein said.“From the conversations I’ve had – even if there’s no Champions League football – that’s the intention.”If things go pear-shaped once again next season Liverpool will surely be forced into a change they do not want to make. By then, however, Alonso is likely to have been installed elsewhere and the chance for what feels like an inevitable reunion will have passed once again.