Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has delivered his verdict on the mounting pressure surrounding Reds boss Arne Slot, suggesting that club legend Xabi Alonso would be a "great option" as a potential replacement, while simultaneously pouring cold water on the likelihood of such a dramatic change.
Pressure Mounts on Arne Slot After Heavy Defeats
The Dutch manager finds himself in a precarious position at Anfield following a series of disappointing results. The gloom deepened after a dismal 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest left the team hovering just above the relegation zone. Matters worsened midweek with a 4-1 trouncing by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, piling immense pressure on Slot's future.
Liverpool currently languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table, sitting behind rivals Manchester United and Everton. They are three points adrift of the Champions League places and a staggering 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal. A pivotal week awaits, featuring crucial league fixtures against West Ham United, Sunderland, and Leeds United.
Friedel's Alonso Verdict and Liverpool's Philosophy
Amid the speculation, Friedel, speaking to talkSPORT BET, acknowledged the appeal of former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso. "Xabi Alonso would be a great option," Friedel stated, "but a lot would have to happen for that move to become realistic. He's a top manager and would really do well for them."
However, the American quickly tempered expectations by highlighting the club's traditional values. He expressed significant doubts about Liverpool pulling the trigger on Slot so soon after his success. "But Liverpool historically aren't a hire-and-fire club," Friedel added. "It would be really surprising if they removed Slot after winning the Premier League only a few months ago and after investing in players for him. It would be very un-Liverpool-like."
He conceded that missing the Champions League would create financial complications, but ultimately concluded that replacing a Premier League-winning manager with the current boss of La Liga's Real Madrid feels "extremely unlikely."
Alonso's Own Challenges and Slot's Fighting Words
The situation is complicated by Alonso's own rocky start at Real Madrid. Since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti, there have been reports of unrest within the Spanish squad, suggesting the Spaniard is also under pressure in his new role.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot has acknowledged the difficult environment. "There is always pressure," Slot stated, reflecting on the different nature of the current challenge compared to last season's title-winning campaign. "Maybe my job is easier because I don't have to play. It's hard for every player... so we get knock after knock after knock. So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes."
As the crucial match against a resurgent West Ham under Nuno Espirito Santo approaches, all eyes will be on whether Slot can orchestrate a turnaround and quieten the growing speculation about his position.
