Liverpool boss Arne Slot reacts to Xabi Alonso sacking amid pressure on Anfield role
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to the shock dismissal of Xabi Alonso by Real Madrid, acknowledging the challenges managers face in top clubs today. Slot admitted he has no clear answer on whether modern sporting director structures are contributing to the wave of early sackings at elite teams. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all made coaching changes in early 2026.
Enzo Maresca was the first to leave, with Chelsea cutting ties on New Year’s Day. Ruben Amorim followed at Manchester United on January 5, and Alonso saw his 34-game tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu end a week later. Despite delivering a Premier League title in his first season, Slot now finds himself under scrutiny as Liverpool navigate a testing 2025-26 campaign.
Alonso, once considered a prime candidate for Liverpool’s managerial succession in 2024, is now available, a fact Slot is acutely aware of as he works under intense pressure in one of football’s most demanding roles.
Slot does not believe sporting directors are solely to blame for rapid managerial changes. Reflecting on the trend, he told reporters he had no definitive answer, saying his own career spanned multiple clubs for three to four years each. He pointed to managers like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta as examples of long-term appointments and stressed that tenure varies widely depending on the club’s culture and history.
Carlo Ancelotti’s extended spell at Real Madrid serves as a reminder that longevity is still possible. “I have no clue if it is because of the sporting director model. It might be, but I haven’t thought about that,” Slot said.
Liverpool appointed Slot as their first official head coach, distinguishing the role from the traditional manager position and sharing leadership responsibilities across the club. Slot highlighted differences in managerial structures between England and other countries, emphasizing that early dismissals at clubs like Real Madrid remain relatively uncommon.
Slot has guided Liverpool through a 12-match unbeaten run dating back to November 26. However, the Reds have drawn their last four Premier League fixtures, including a 1-1 stalemate with relegation-threatened Burnley at Anfield that ended with boos from supporters. Slot now faces the task of convincing fans of his methods as Mohamed Salah returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Liverpool will aim to bounce back in style when they host Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Slot eager to restore confidence and maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
The season so far has seen fluctuating performances. Slot’s side has struggled to break down resilient mid-table defenses while relying on individual brilliance in key moments. Strategic rotation, particularly around international duty, will be vital in sustaining their title defense and ensuring competitiveness in Europe.
Burnley’s point at Anfield highlighted Liverpool’s vulnerability against compact defensive setups. Salah’s absence exposed gaps in creativity, while set-piece defending remains an area for improvement. Tactical flexibility and midfield control will be central to Slot’s plans against Marseille.
Slot’s position remains under scrutiny, but his Premier League title in the debut season underscores his capabilities. The upcoming European fixture represents both a challenge and an opportunity to reaffirm his authority and demonstrate that Liverpool can compete at the highest level despite recent managerial shake-ups across Europe.