by Arne Slot is facing mounting scrutiny after Liverpool suffered another disappointing defeat, this time losing 4-2 away to Aston Villa on Friday night.
Villa secured Champions League qualification with an impressive performance at Villa Park, thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and John McGinn, alongside a brace from Ollie Watkins. Following the match, Watkins also delivered a strong assessment of Liverpool’s display under Slot.
Virgil van Dijk scored twice for Liverpool to reduce the deficit, but the result still marked another frustrating evening for the Reds, who continue to struggle despite winning the Premier League title in Slot’s first season in charge.
Pressure is beginning to increase on the Dutch manager, with some supporters reportedly growing concerned over the team’s performances and defensive record in recent months.
Liverpool have now suffered 20 defeats across all competitions this season, including 12 losses in the Premier League — a total higher than the previous two campaigns combined.
Defensively, Slot’s side have also endured major problems, with only Leeds United and the bottom four clubs conceding more Premier League goals this season.
Despite the growing criticism, senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs recently reported that Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group currently have no intention of dismissing Slot this summer.
Liverpool Make Decision on Xabi Alonso
One manager heavily linked with Liverpool in recent months is former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, who became available earlier this year after leaving Real Madrid following a short spell in charge.
Before his time in Spain, Alonso earned huge praise during his period at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German club on a historic 51-match unbeaten run.
During Liverpool’s defeat to Aston Villa, chief football writer Daniel Storey questioned whether the club should consider making a managerial change while Alonso remains unattached.
He posted on social media: “I think you can simultaneously be generally pro patience with managers but also find it astounding that Liverpool might not consider appointing Xabi Alonso — who seems to want the job — in favour of risking this continuing next season under Arne Slot.”
However, according to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Liverpool have made no contact with Alonso because the club’s internal analysis and data still suggest Slot is the right long-term option.
The report states Liverpool’s hierarchy remain convinced that Slot is the better fit for the club despite recent struggles.
Whether that decision proves correct will become clearer next season, especially with Alonso attracting interest elsewhere.
The Spaniard is reportedly among the leading candidates to become Chelsea’s next permanent manager, with positive talks already said to have taken place. Alonso is also believed to be open to managing in the Premier League.
