Liverpool fans dumbstruck by Xabi Alonso decision as Arne Slot fired

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Liverpool fans left stunned by FSG's decision not to appoint Xabi Alonso as Arne Slot is fired following a poor season, and the search begins for a new head coachLiverpool fans called on the club to replace Slot with Alonso before he went to Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool’s decision not to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager has come back into sharp focus following the firing of Arne Slot.The Reds have decided to part ways with Slot following an end-of-season review, concluding that a change in direction was needed after a campaign that yielded no silverware and ended with a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, just a year on from winning the title.Frustration had grown among supporters over inconsistent performances and a perceived lack of intensity, with the club now aiming to appoint a successor capable of delivering a more aggressive, front-foot style of soccer.After missing out on club legend Xabi Alonso, who instead took the Chelsea job, speculation quickly mounted that Slot’s position could come under threat following a disappointing season.However, senior figures at Liverpool were initially understood to be willing to persist with the Dutchman, making the eventual U-turn all the more unexpected.The decision not to pursue Alonso has not been popular among supporters. One X user said: "Xabi Alonso right now," followed by a crying emoji.Content cannot be displayed without consentAnother fan added: "there was ZERO need to pass on xabi alonso while he was available this is a catastrophic own goal."A third supporter added: "Liverpool turning down Xabi Alonso only for Slot to leave anyway is... something.

Iraola's not a bad second prize, but that front office is inept."While a fourth user said: "Think this goes to show that we simply didn’t rate Xabi Alonso highly at all."Another soccer account added: "Can’t believe they decided to do this AFTER Xabi Alonso signed for Chelsea. They should’ve at least let him know to wait before making any decision, surely he’d have joined Liverpool over Chelsea."Andoni Iraola is reported to be the leading candidate to succeed Slot, who is set to leave Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract this summer following a record-breaking three years on the south coast.

Liverpool is not expected to rush its decision and will instead take the next few days to refine a shortlist of potential options.However, the Reds are also prepared to look more broadly across the European market—mirroring their approach when appointing Slot—with Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Pierre Sage of Lens both said to be among the names under consideration, according to The Athletic.Hoeness led Stuttgart to a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga, securing Champions League qualification for the 2026/27 season, as well as a run to the Europa League round of 16. Meanwhile, Sage guided Lens to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1, pushing PSG all the way before ultimately finishing six points behind the champions.Liverpool is understood to have parted ways with Slot largely due to a belief that a significant shift in playing style is required to recover from this season’s disappointing campaign.