John Barnes pinpoints Jurgen Klopp issue as Arne Slot battles Liverpool pressure
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesJohn BarnesLiverpool legend John Barnes believes Xabi Alonso's decision to accept the Chelsea manager role over a potential Anfield return was driven by the enormous pressure of following Jurgen Klopp's legacyJohn Barnes has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool legend John Barnes admits he isn't surprised Xabi Alonso opted to become Chelsea's new manager, given the difficulties Arne Slot is currently experiencing while following in Jurgen Klopp's footsteps at Anfield.Despite claiming the Premier League trophy in his debut campaign, Slot has been subjected to severe criticism from sections of the fanbase after a lackluster title defense saw Liverpool finish fifth.Alonso, who withdrew from consideration to replace Klopp in 2024, was strongly tipped to succeed Slot this summer had Fenway Sports Group decided to dismiss the Dutchman. However, the Spaniard — who won the Champions League with Liverpool as a player in 2005 — accepted the offer to become Chelsea manager next season earlier this month.It's Alonso's first job in management since leaving Real Madrid in January after barely six months in the hot seat.Barnes believes the legacy of the Klopp era still hangs over the Liverpool squad and played a part in Alonso's decision to move to Stamford Bridge."I don't think it's a shock at all because when you look at what Jurgen Klopp created at Liverpool, it's a bit like what Sir Alex Ferguson created at Manchester United, where any manager coming in is going to be judged against what they did," said Barnes.Xabi Alonso has opted to join Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)"So if Xabi had come back to Liverpool, there would have been huge pressure."At Chelsea, I think he'll get more time than he would have had at Liverpool."Speaking to betfred.com, Barnes added: "I'm a fan of Arne Slot, but Xabi probably looks at that situation and thinks who wants to go to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp, because as we've seen from Mo Salah's social post, the players are invested in Jurgen's way of playing football."So Xabi going to Chelsea doesn't surprise me."Slot is expected to continue as Liverpool's head coach heading into the new season.The Reds boss will be under significant pressure to deliver success after a campaign without silverware.Yet Slot has the opportunity to get his squad ready during preseason.
He'll also get the chance to work with Alexander Isak, who arrived at Anfield late during last summer's transfer window after missing out on preseason at Newcastle.Slot is also expected to receive some reinforcements during the summer transfer window, with Liverpool lacking depth in defense, midfield and attack.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.John BarnesXabi AlonsoLiverpool FCChelsea FCArne SlotJurgen Klopp