Former Liverpool player Joe Cole has joined the debate around the future of Arne Slot on the back of a difficult campaign.
At present, the current stance from the Reds is that Slot will remain manager and be in charge for the 2026/27 season.
However, there is still a chance Liverpool don’t even get Champions League football this season, which would surely impact FSG’s stance. Meanwhile, Cole has suggested Slot could go because Xabi Alonso is available.
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Xabi Alonso’s availability could cost Arne Slot his job
Alonso has been out of work since he left Real Madrid at the beginning of 2026 following a six-month spell in Spain.
Currently, there are reports that Chelsea like the ex-midfielder, and he would be open to a potential Stamford Bridge move.
However, when speaking on The Dressing Room podcast this week, Cole said he thinks Slot will go because of Alonso.
He stated: “So the reason I think the time’s up for him [Slot], and I don’t necessarily agree, but this is the only thing that Xabi Alonso’s available. And it just seems like, you know, like when you see a couple together and they’re in love, and you’re like, I can see that. That works, I can see it. I think Xabi Alonso and Liverpool are just that.
“I reckon they just are, yeah. And I think that’s the problem for Slot. I think it’s going to be harsh on him.”
Cole was then asked: “Without that, do you think he goes anyway?”
To which he replied: “No, I think they stick to type and go, you know, let’s give him a bit of time. But the only reason is because Xabi Alonso’s available. I think they’ll go with him.”
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Liverpool’s stance on Xabi Alonso
Alonso was previously approached about the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp was leaving.
He remained at Bayer Leverkusen at the time, and it does not appear as though the Merseyside outfit have come back in for their former player.
David Ornstein recently explained that Liverpool have not moved for Alonso and will stick with Slot.
He said: “Talking of Xabi Alonso, he has for some time now, years, been heavily linked with the Liverpool head coach position post Jurgen Klopp, but it went to Arne Slot, and even now, with many fans clamoring for him to return to Anfield where he had such a successful playing career, but my information is that Xabi Alonso is not under consideration at Liverpool at all, and that Liverpool fully intend to go into next season with Arne Slot as their head coach.”
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