Slot's position in jeopardy! Alonso poised for Liverpool return?

Written by Han Bing The international break is a perilous time for many coaches with poor records to be fired, and Liverpool's Slot is likely now facing that fate. Following Liverpool's 1-2 defeat to Brighton, the team has encountered its 10th Premier League loss this season, marking the most defeats in ten seasons. Fenway Group, originally planning to evaluate the coaching change after the season, has had to start seriously discussing the issue ahead of schedule. The odds for Alonso replacing Slot next season have also sharply dropped to 6/4. Starting Monday, first the Spanish newspaper AS and then Germany's Bild prominently speculated that Alonso could even take over before the end of the March international break, without waiting for summer.

AS reported that Liverpool has already conducted "deep negotiations" with Alonso and hopes he can end his holiday early, ready to replace Slot at any moment. Bild confirmed on the 25th: Alonso is prepared to coach Liverpool, and the Spanish coach wishes to return to the managerial seat as soon as possible. Moreover, two years ago Liverpool was the top favorite for Alonso to coach after leaving Leverkusen, but Alonso declined the invitation from his former club and chose to stay for another season. Now, Alonso believes it is the perfect time to repay Liverpool.

However, Bild's report differs from Spanish media; Bild's sources indicate Alonso prefers to take over in summer. This is due to lessons from last season: Alonso originally did not want to hastily take charge of Real Madrid for the Club World Cup without a preseason familiarization period. After Real Madrid's 0-4 crushing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, he faced immense public pressure before the new season even began, ultimately leading to a poor start and his dismissal. Alonso has learned from this and, unless compelled, will not take over Liverpool mid-season.

Fenway Group's patience with Slot originally could last until season's end, but Slot's recent public criticism of management has greatly displeased the club. The Dutch coach stated: "We are analyzing the current situation, what we have, and the challenges, then we will have a more pragmatic understanding of why this season has unfolded this way." Implicitly, this seems to distance himself from Liverpool's current struggles. Coaches who challenge club authority are usually quickly dismissed; previously, Premier League coaches Marésca and Amorim have been fired. The March international break still has 10 days left, giving Liverpool's hierarchy ample time to consider changes.

British media revealed Liverpool's owners and football management team held a crisis meeting on Tuesday, and Liverpool's leadership has initiated the process to invite Alonso. During the meeting, it was suggested that Gerrard could temporarily lead the team until season's end before Alonso takes over, but no consensus was reached. Although local Liverpool media believe Slot can last until season's end, German football news platform "Bayern Raum" disclosed that Alonso's close friend and assistant Parriera is contacting former Leverkusen players Wirtz and Frimpong to understand the real situation within Liverpool's squad. Alonso's coaching career started at Real Madrid's youth teams, and Parriera is his most capable assistant in the coaching staff. This proves Alonso is already preparing to coach Liverpool. Wirtz expressed hope for Alonso to coach Liverpool; these two former players are also assets for Alonso to quickly integrate into the team and change the locker room atmosphere upon taking over.

Spanish newspaper El País stated Liverpool's hierarchy has exhausted patience with Slot. However, Alonso's return is not straightforward. The German coach hopes to secure £245 million in transfer funds this summer, even listing specific targets: Inter defender Bastoni, Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton, and Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola. Summer transfers are a later matter; Liverpool's immediate priority is to make a decision quickly: continue enduring likely more failures from Slot until season's end, or cut losses early to at least see hope for change. Whether now or in summer, Alonso remains the top favorite for Liverpool's new coach.