Liverpool Identifies Arne Slot Successor, One Step From Deal

Liverpool has initiated contact with figures connected to Real Madrid regarding Xabi Alonso, according to Spanish newspaper AS, as the club explores a potential replacement for Dutch manager Arne Slot. The move comes after a weekend of fan unrest at Anfield, where jeers were heard following a draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

This was not the first time boos rang out at the stadium that day. Supporters expressed their displeasure with Slot's decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha in the second half while his team was pushing for a win. The draw, however, moved Liverpool closer to securing Champions League qualification for next season, needing just three points from their final two matches.

Despite the possibility that Slot could guide the Reds back to Europe's top competition, the campaign has been underwhelming under his leadership. Fans recognize that injuries to key players have contributed to the team's struggles, but the squad's performances, slow tempo, and Slot's tactical choices have raised questions about his long-term future.

AS reports that Liverpool's management harbors doubts about Alonso's capabilities and wants to dispel them before deciding to replace Slot with the Basque coach. The Anfield hierarchy is seeking endorsement from Real Madrid for Alonso's appointment, despite his dismissal from the Spanish capital club following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.

If the Liverpool board concludes that hiring Alonso is not the right move, they are likely to allow Slot to complete at least the final year of his contract before reassessing whether the Dutchman is the optimal long-term solution for the club.