Why there is now 'added pressure on Arne Slot' at Liverpool, according to Jermaine Pennant

Why There Is Now 'Added Pressure' on Arne Slot at Liverpool, According to Jermaine Pennant

Arne Slot's position as Liverpool manager has come under intensified scrutiny following Xabi Alonso's sudden availability after his sacking by Real Madrid, as highlighted by former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant.[1][4][5]

Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut 2024/25 season, has faced a turbulent 2025/26 campaign. The Reds endured nine defeats in 12 matches by late November, including a humiliating loss to Nottingham Forest that dropped them to 13th in the table. Club legend Jamie Carragher warned Slot had "mere days" to save his job.[2][3] Recent results have improved slightly, but performances remain lackluster, with a 4-1 FA Cup win over Barnsley masking deeper issues like Dominik Szoboszlai's halftime blunder gifting a goal to the lower-league side.[1]

Pennant points to Alonso's dismissal—after Real Madrid's 3-2 Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona and a four-point La Liga deficit—as a game-changer. The ex-Liverpool midfielder, a club icon from his 2004-09 stint, is now a "dream" candidate for Anfield, with reports linking him to both Liverpool and Manchester City amid Slot's struggles and Pep Guardiola's uncertain future.[5] Alonso's possession-based style and commanding presence appeal, especially as Slot was "fortunate" Alonso wasn't free during Liverpool's nadir.[1][4]

Slot has been candid about deficiencies: lacking urgency, intensity, set-piece prowess, and clear patterns of play. Opponents counter his style with low blocks and long balls, neutralizing Liverpool's press. Key concerns include injuries (e.g., Conor Bradley's season-ender), form dips for Mohamed Salah, Mac Allister, Gakpo, and squad rotation issues echoing last season.[1][3][4][6] A PSV defeat marked a "breaking point," and no like-for-like replacement for a departing star hurt depth.[3]

Upcoming fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland, and Leeds offer momentum-building chances, but a Champions League clash with Inter looms. Pennant argues Alonso's availability casts a long shadow, ramping up pressure on the 47-year-old Dutchman to deliver complete performances or risk the sack.[1][3][5] Slot seeks more creativity ahead of Fulham, admitting this Liverpool falls short of expectations.[6]

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