Liverpool: Xabi Alonso now odds-on favourite for Anfield job as Arne Slot struggles
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(Credit: Imago) Liverpool: Xabi Alonso now odds-on favourite for Anfield job as Arne Slot struggles Thu 26 March 2026 17:45, UK Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso looks increasingly likely to become their next manager as Arne Slot faces serious doubts around his future at the helm.Alonso has been heavily linked with a return to Anfield in recent months after Liverpool’s surprising downfall under title-winning boss Slot.The Dutchman’s job is thought to be under real pressure, as fans turn on him, with the Reds now facing a fight to qualify for the Champions League.Several bosses have been touted to take over in his place, with Alonso’s odds to be the next permanent Liverpool manager now being shortened even further to 1/2 by a top bookmaker.The Spaniard is believed to be open to being Liverpool’s next manager, but Slot remains in charge for now and could still save his job in the coming months. 📋 Liverpool Manager News 📋 Get the inside track on the Anfield dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key boardroom decisions. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Where has it all gone wrong for Arne Slot?Slot was held among the great managers at Liverpool after their title win in his debut season, but just under 12 months on and he could well be relieved of his duties soon.Their frantic style of play was concerning to many at the start of the campaign, and he has failed to strike a balance between defence and attack, with fans now annoyed at how slow and lethargic their build-up has become.SeasonPositionGames playedWinsDrawsLossesGoal differencePoints2024-25 season on 26 March 20251st292171+42702025-26 season on 26 March 20265th3114710+849Liverpool’s PL season so far compared to this time last yearSlot has not had any luck with injuries, after marquee signing Alexander Isak arrived with an issue and then suffered a fractured leg and ankle problem in December.Giovanni Leoni has also been out for the majority of the campaign, while Alisson, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have struggled to get going due to recurring problems.They are now fighting to make the top five, rather than for a title, and squad morale has clearly been harmed by such an alarming drop off from last season.News of Mohamed Salah’s impending exit will also not help Slot’s cause, as not only is he still a top player, but many Reds fans will likely blame his exit on the Dutchman after their public rift in December.Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool chiefs are growing frustrated with Slot, and failure to reach the Champions League could well see him sacked in the summer.Who else is in the running to be Liverpool’s next manager?Alonso is out of work right now after being sacked by Real Madrid in January after less than eight months in charge.Arne Slot has said that it will not have been an acceptable season for Liverpool if they don't secure qualification for the Champions League 🗣💬 pic.twitter.com/liVVU6a89m— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 10, 2026 View Tweet He is the leading contender to manage Liverpool after Slot, but several other bosses are also in the running according to the bookies.PSG manager Luis Enrique comes in at 14/1 to succeed the Dutchman, with Julian Nagelsmann priced the same amid links to Man United.Francesco Farioli is also believed to be contention, at odds of 16/1, while Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and former boss Jurgen Klopp also come in at the same price. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.