Liverpool could still hire Xabi Alonso next season - Opinion

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Liverpool look set to keep faith with Arne Slot despite the failures of the 2025-26 season, but they could still hire Xabi Alonso if it doesn’t work out. Xabi Alonso urged to wait for the right move after rejecting Chelsea offer According to Sky Sports correspondent Dougie Critchley, there is no need for Alonso to accept job offers until he feels the perfect one arrives, which may be Liverpool down the line.

Critchley said on X: “Xabi Alonso rejected Gladbach to continue to develop at Real Sociedad B… “Xabi Alonso rejected Liverpool on the back of his unbeaten League and Cup double to continue to develop at Leverkusen… “I’m staggered that people think he’d be keen to become the 7th permanent manager of Clearlake’s 4 year reign at Chelsea, 6 months on from being (I would argue unfairly) sacked by Real Madrid. He’s 44, coming off the first “failure” of his career.” Xabi Alonso rejected Gladbach to continue to develop at Real Sociedad B… Xabi Alonso rejected Liverpool on the back of his unbeaten League and Cup double to continue to develop at Leverkusen… I'm staggered that people think he'd be keen to become the 7th permanent manager… pic.twitter.com/RLKhMmZNTL — Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) May 5, 2026 Liverpool are gambling with the future by sticking with Slot Much like Critchley, I am more than willing to hold my hands up and say ‘I was wrong’ if Slot stays and turns things around next season.

That said, it’s very difficult to provide evidence of anything the Dutch coach has done this season that supports the idea that he is the right manager for Liverpool in the long-term. And if I am right, the fault isn’t even Slot’s.