Liverpool news as Arne Slot given update on future and Xabi Alonso warning

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot retains the backing of club bosses despite mounting pressure, while John Barnes has warned against replacing him with Xabi Alonso

Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has two remaining opportunities to secure silverware this season through the FA Cup and the Champions League.

First comes a quarterfinal tie in England's most prestigious cup competition against Manchester City on Saturday. A significant European Cup last-eight encounter against Paris Saint-Germain will then follow on Wednesday.

The notion of Liverpool, the Premier League champion, being out of the title race as early as December last year seemed unthinkable to many. Yet that's the situation the Reds find themselves in this season. With a decline in form, unsurprisingly, all attention has turned to the future of Arne Slot, with the Dutchman under intense pressure as the Reds battle to secure a top-four finish in the league.

Liverpool.com's latest news round-up reveals the club's position on Slot's future. Meanwhile, the Reds have been advised to overlook the credentials of a talented manager who's currently available.

Slot firing stance

According to The Athletic, Slot's position at Liverpool remains secure for the time being. The report suggests that the Dutchman retains the support of club bosses Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.

The decision-makers at Anfield believe that Slot has faced a difficult challenge this season, with the tragic death of Diogo Jota still casting a shadow over the club.

Xabi Alonso is currently a free agent(Image: Getty Images)

The article suggests that if Slot successfully navigates this turbulent spell, he ought to be in a stronger position to lead Liverpool onwards.

Yet, that view could change dramatically should the Reds exit both the FA Cup and Champions League, while slipping further from the Premier League's top five. Slot's accomplishment of securing the league title with Liverpool should not be dismissed.

Alonso warning

John Barnes has called on Liverpool to dismiss speculation surrounding a sensational return for Xabi Alonso, insisting Slot can restore stability at Anfield.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager has been without a club since his departure from Real Madrid in January, with supporters increasingly calling for the ex-midfielder's appointment following each setback under Slot.

"Well, I understand the clamor because Xabi is a Liverpool favorite," Barnes told the Liverpool ECHO. "But did he not fail at Real Madrid? Was he actually a successful manager?

"Of course, don't get me wrong, I think Xabi is great, and he did a good job. But he got sacked (fired) by Real Madrid for failure, didn't he? That's why they got rid of him. Of course, we do like the clamor for ex-players. Steven Gerrard's been mentioned before.

"So I understand the way fans are. But this is the way fans are. They're very fickle."

Barnes added: "I think Xabi will be a great manager one day, but I want Arne Slot to stay."