Liverpool's Arne Slot is facing the very same nightmare that plagued Xabi Alonso six months ago - the strong alternative option becoming available. When Alonso was let go by Real Madrid, it presented Slot with an unprecedented challenge, as he was the former Anfield icon and Liverpool's first choice to replace Jurgen Klopp two years prior.
Slot had previously been offered a three-year deal at Liverpool but turned down in favor of Bayer Leverkusen, citing his desire to help develop young players and work with a great board. However, that decision seemed to close the door on any future returns to Anfield.
But now, with Alonso available and Liverpool in a precarious position, Slot's position is under threat. The club has spent over half a billion dollars on him after a successful first season but are now struggling to qualify for the Champions League.
Former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher believes that if Slot doesn't deliver again, he won't have a leg to stand on. "Not making the Champions League from [being] champions, spending £450m and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League... I think you've got serious questions to ask," Carragher said.
Slot may be able to take comfort in Liverpool's reluctance to make knee-jerk decisions under current ownership but if they don't achieve Champions League qualification, tough questions will follow. With Alonso suddenly available, Slot faces a very real threat - being replaced by the Basque coach who was once considered a better fit for Anfield.
Slot hopes that the Premier League trophy secures his position, but the nightmare from Spain is not just a worry - it's a very real threat to his job.
Slot had previously been offered a three-year deal at Liverpool but turned down in favor of Bayer Leverkusen, citing his desire to help develop young players and work with a great board. However, that decision seemed to close the door on any future returns to Anfield.
But now, with Alonso available and Liverpool in a precarious position, Slot's position is under threat. The club has spent over half a billion dollars on him after a successful first season but are now struggling to qualify for the Champions League.
Former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher believes that if Slot doesn't deliver again, he won't have a leg to stand on. "Not making the Champions League from [being] champions, spending £450m and having the highest wage bill in the Premier League... I think you've got serious questions to ask," Carragher said.
Slot may be able to take comfort in Liverpool's reluctance to make knee-jerk decisions under current ownership but if they don't achieve Champions League qualification, tough questions will follow. With Alonso suddenly available, Slot faces a very real threat - being replaced by the Basque coach who was once considered a better fit for Anfield.
Slot hopes that the Premier League trophy secures his position, but the nightmare from Spain is not just a worry - it's a very real threat to his job.
. The arrival of Xabi Alonso as an alternative option presents a formidable challenge for Slot, who had previously been touted as the club's first choice 
. Given the significant investment made by Liverpool in Slot during his successful first season, it's surprising to see him now facing such uncertainty 
.
. The fact that Liverpool is struggling to qualify for the Champions League and has the highest wage bill in the Premier League raises serious questions about Slot's suitability 
. While it's true that Liverpool may be hesitant to make impulsive decisions, the pressure will intensify if they don't achieve Champions League qualification 
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, but Alonso's emergence as a viable alternative means that Slot must be prepared to face tough scrutiny 
. The question on everyone's mind now is: can Slot redeem himself and maintain his place at Anfield? 
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. Arne Slot is in a tough spot, for real. If he doesn't step up his game and help the team get out of this slump, it's gonna be a nightmare for him - like what happened with Xabi Alonso all those years ago 
. I mean, £450m on the wage bill is just crazy, right? It's like they're trying to keep up with City and United or something 
. Do you think Alonso will be the savior for Liverpool or is this just another case of them throwing money at a problem? 
. I mean, Liverpool spent a gazillion dollars on him last season and expected him to carry their team to Champions League qualification, but instead they're struggling to even qualify for the competition 
. It's like, what were they thinking? 
. I get it, Liverpool needs someone who can deliver results, but come on, Slot has been there before and he knows the pressure 
...
. I mean, £450m spent and still struggling to qualify for the Champions League? That's a lot of pressure on one person 
I hope he can deliver when it matters most, but if not, I think Carragher has a point – Slot really doesn't have a leg to stand on 
.
I cant even right now!! Arne Slot is in BIG trouble!! I mean I know we all loved Xabi Alonso when he was here and I thought Slot was gonna be the next big thing at Anfield, but now that Alonso is back on the market... it's like slot's seat is GETTING HOT 
! Liverpool spent SO much money on him and if they dont make the Champions league... slot is toast 
... Liverpool spent a billion quid on him and now they're like "meh" 
... and Carragher is right, if they don't make the Champions League again Slot's gonna be toast 
... I mean what did he do wrong? He had one bad season and now Alonso gets his chance? 
... it's just not fair to him 
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. I feel so bad for him 
, he was once a hero at Anfield 
. £450m and still can't qualify for the Champions League? 
, Slot needs to deliver or he's done 
, but now it seems like Alonso is the new man 
. The Premier League trophy might be his only hope 
his contract is massive and if they dont make it past group stages next season, its gonna be a tough ask to keep him. but at the same time, slot has been doing pretty well, so maybe lfc can try to find ways to motivate him again 