Xabi Alonso was obviously going to be a hot topic around Liverpool after leaving Real Madrid, with many suggesting he should take over from Arne Slot.
It’s a damning indictment on how boring Liverpool’s transfer window has been that a manager being sacked in another country is the big story of the day.
I suppose it makes sense. Alonso has long been linked to Liverpool, and there are many who would love to see him replace the man currently at the helm.
Xabi Alonso has previously admitted his dream of managing Liverpool
“I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
Xabi Alonso in 2018
Simon Jordan has chimed in on the debate, and his stance is unabashedly pro-Slot.
Simon Jordan is sure Arne Slot won’t fail at Liverpool
It’s not the first time Jordan has defended Slot at Liverpool.
He argued against the notion that last year’s title win was lucky, and more down to Jurgen Klopp than to the Dutchman.
Now faced with the Alonso speculation, he has doubled down.
He said on talkSPORT on Tuesday: “You look at it and go, where does he go? Liverpool if Slot fails, but Slot’s not going to fail. Slot’s had a great first season.
“He’s having a little bit of a sabbatical in his second season like Jurgen Klopp did when he won the Premier League and people still idolise him. So give Slot a little bit of latitude here.”
It’s not often that Jordan says something you can get behind, but his thoughts on this matter will be shared by sections of the Kop.
Even amongst writers on Rousing The Kop, opinion is split on Slot, but I’d have to agree with encouraging patience. Klopp did indeed follow up his Premier League title win with a weak campaign, but was nonetheless adored.
Liverpool still have Champions League to play for
Maybe it’s beating a dead horse saying this, but Liverpool still have a major trophy to play for — one that was deemed even more important than the league coming into the season.
Winning the Champions League is no easy feat, and this current Liverpool side wouldn’t stand a chance in the latter stages of the competition.
But look at last season’s winners. PSG finished the league phase on 13 points and had to go through the play-off route on their way to lifting the ‘Big Ears’. The Reds sit on 12 points with two to play — games they should win to clinch a top eight spot.
How far will Liverpool go in this year’s Champions League?
- 2017/18 – Runners-up
- 2018/19 – Winners
- 2019/20 – Last-16
- 2020/21 – Quarter-final
- 2021/22 – Runners-up
- 2022/23 – Last-16
- 2024/25 – Last-16
- 2025/26 – ?
Liverpool’s best players are hitting form, and we could be one of the more dangerous sides in March and April.
On top of that, we have seen Slot coach masterclasses against some of England and Europe’s best teams, including wins over Alonso at Leverkusen and Madrid.
It hasn’t been fun watching Liverpool these last few months, but to think it can’t get significantly better with the amount of talent in the squad is ridiculous. Hate to say it, but I’m with Jordan on this one.
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