He's "similar" to Klopp: Slot & Alonso upgrade is keen to join Liverpool

Replicating last season’s Premier League title win was always going to be a tricky ask, but Arne Slot has massively struggled to deal with the pressure of being Liverpool manager.

The Dutchman immediately captured the hearts of the fanbase last season with his efforts in England’s top-flight, but it’s safe to say he’s now fighting for his job on Merseyside.

The Reds are now only battling for a place in the Champions League with two league games to go, currently sitting a staggering 17 points off leaders, Arsenal.

To make matters worse, Slot has had over £450m worth of new additions to improve his senior ranks - but it’s ultimately had the reverse effect on matters at Anfield.

The latest display against Chelsea was yet another example of the manager’s struggles, which could see a managerial change now appearing on the horizon.

Why Chelsea draw could be the final straw for Slot

Saturday’s clash with Chelsea was a perfect opportunity for Liverpool to return to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat against Manchester United.

However, despite losing each of the last five games, the visitors were able to leave Merseyside with a point, with the Reds only able to register three shots on target.

Many of Slot’s decisions at Anfield have raised questions from the fanbase - none more so than starting winger Cody Gakpo as a centre-forward once again.

The Dutchman failed to deliver, but was left on the field for 77 minutes before being replaced - with fan-favourite Rio Ngumoha withdrawn before the out-of-form forward.

Such a decision led to boos from the Reds faithful at Anfield, with the manager claiming that the call was made to replace the youngster due to the onset of cramp.

Regardless of the call to substitute Ngumoha, pressure is undoubtedly growing on Slot week after week, with the noise about his future continuing to rumble.

The manager who could replace Slot at Liverpool

Despite still being in the role, numerous managers have already been linked with the possibility of replacing Slot at Liverpool ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Xabi Alonso is one manager who continues to be linked with the Reds at present, which no doubt is a result of his previous spell on Merseyside as a player.

The Spaniard is a free agent after being sacked by Real Madrid in January, but does boast an impressive CV - having won the Bundesliga undefeated with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24.

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be interested in a deal for the 44-year-old, with both also looking for new managers this summer.

However, the Reds hierarchy should turn their attention to departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who too has been touted with the potential of replacing Slot.

FootballFanCast revealed last month that the Spaniard would be keen on taking the Liverpool job this summer, but it remains to be seen if he will be offered the vacancy.

Should he be handed the chance to lead the side at Anfield, it could see the fans hand their next version of former boss Jurgen Klopp - who previously led them to Premier League glory.

Both have favoured a 4-3-3 system within their respective managerial careers, as seen at Liverpool under Klopp with the iconic front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

One notable Premier League analyst has also spoken out about the Cherries boss’ quality, even stating that he is a “very similar” coach to the German as a result of his man-management skills.

During his time at the Vitality, Iraola has won 48 out of his 125 games at the helm, with his work at Bournemouth certainly going under the radar this term.

He lost the majority of his regular backline last summer, but through phenomenal recruitment and great coaching, he’s got the Cherries faithful dreaming of European football.

Iraola’s men currently sit in sixth position with just two games remaining in 2025/26, which could see the small South Coast outfit feature in Europe for the first time.

Such form is evidence he knows what’s required to thrive in the Premier League, something which Alonso has experienced of, having only managed Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

The increased budget and recruitment team at Merseyside would no doubt hand the Spaniard an increased chance of success - potentially making him the perfect boss for the Reds.

Slot’s recent struggles at Anfield have certainly piled on the pressure of the Dutchman, with a departure from Merseyside now a possibility after the disappointment of 2025/26.

Whilst Alonso may be many fans’ first choice at present, the board must prioritise a move for Iraola, with the Bournemouth boss having all the tools to lead the Reds back to title glory.

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