Ex-Liverpool star says Arne Slot now under 'added pressure' after brutal firing

Arne Slot has steadied the ship somewhat after a dismal couple of months at Liverpool, although the Reds' boss has been warned he now faces some added pressure at Anfield

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is trying to salvage his team's season(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has been warned he could face some added pressure at Liverpool following Real Madrid’s decision to fire Xabi Alonso.

The former Reds midfielder was dismissed after less than eight months in charge at the Bernabeu, following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup at the weekend - although his exit had been on the cards for a while beforehand.

It hasn’t taken long for Alonso to be linked with his next job though. Manchester City could prove to be an option for him, with Etihad chiefs having reportedly talked about him taking over from Pep Guardiola a couple of years ago.

And there will of course be speculation on a return to Anfield, with the 44-year-old having already been linked with taking the Liverpool job shortly after leaving Madrid.

Alonso was the favorite to take over from Jurgen Klopp back in 2024 until he ruled himself out of the running, leading Liverpool to instead turn its attention to Slot.

The Dutchman has faced some questions over his future this season following a dismal run of form between the end of September and November, with the Reds falling out of contention to defend their Premier League title.

Xabi Alonso is available after being dismissed at Real Madrid, sparking theories over replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))

Slot has steadied the ship somewhat since then, with Liverpool now sitting fourth after an unbeaten run of nine league games, and 11 across all competitions.

Jermaine Pennant though feels Alonso’s firing may turn the heat up on Slot again. Speaking to talkSPORT, the ex-winger gave his thoughts on his former Liverpool teammate’s dismissal from Madrid.

“I think Liverpool were interested in him before when he was at Leverkusen, but he chose to go Real Madrid,” Pennant said.

“I think this puts a little bit more added pressure on Arne Slot because I’m sure the board will be looking at this going okay our man is now available who [was] probably our first choice.

“Now if things don’t improve, I would, this is just my personal opinion, I think that he’s got a problem until the end of the season to either turn this season around or to show the board why next season will be better.”

Liverpool.com says: There is no indication at present that Liverpool is looking to make a change, although Slot may feel the pressure a little more soon.

Mohamed Salah will be returning from the Africa Cup of Nations next week, and all eyes will be on the Egyptian following his outburst against the club and Slot last month, in which he claimed his relationship with the head coach had broken down.

We’ve seen with Vinicius Jr and Alonso how a public fallout can sow the seeds of doubt, so Slot’s handling of the winger will be crucial over the remainder of the season.