Shock Dismissal of Arne Slot
Liverpool have stunned the football world after confirming the dismissal of Arne Slot following just two seasons in charge. Despite delivering a Premier League title in his debut campaign, a disappointing fifth-place finish in year two prompted Fenway Sports Group to make a decisive change.
However, the timing of the decision has sparked major debate on Merseyside, particularly given that Xabi Alonso was available earlier in the year. Alonso, who had been strongly linked with a return to Liverpool after leaving Real Madrid in January, eventually joined Chelsea last month.
The decision to retain Slot during that period — only to sack him weeks after Alonso moved elsewhere — has led to growing criticism of the club’s succession planning. With Andoni Iraola now tipped as the frontrunner, scrutiny over Liverpool’s direction continues to intensify.
Carragher Questions Missed Alonso Opportunity
Speaking on The Overlap, Jamie Carragher openly questioned Liverpool’s decision-making, arguing that the club may have missed a major opportunity by not moving for Alonso when he was available. He suggested the Spaniard’s pedigree, experience, and connection to the club made him a natural candidate for the role.
"I would have changed him (Slot) for Xabi Alonso. As soon as he went to Chelsea, I was thinking that I would keep Slot," Carragher explained. "When I was thinking about Alonso, it was also because he got the best out of Florian Wirtz. If you were going to change it, why was it not for Alonso? With Alonso, you have an incredible playing CV, the managers he has been coached by. What he did at Leverkusen. He has managed Real Madrid. I know it didn't go well, but he is used to that pressure and scrutiny."
Tactical Doubts Over Iraola Appointment
Carragher also raised concerns about how Andoni Iraola’s tactical approach would translate to the current Liverpool squad. Known for his intense, high-pressing system, Iraola’s style demands specific physical and tactical profiles that may not align with the existing roster at Anfield.
"If Liverpool chose Iraola over Alonso, it is very worrying for Liverpool," Carragher added. "If it is because Alonso wants to play a back three, or his style of play, fair enough. But I am not sure Liverpool has the players to play Iraola's high-pressing game."
Major Summer Rebuild Ahead
The managerial change comes amid a broader overhaul at Liverpool, with significant squad and structural adjustments expected this summer. Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, the incoming manager faces the challenge of replacing a key attacking figure while reshaping the squad for a new tactical era.
Slot’s exit also sees assistants Sipke Hulshoff, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Ruben Peeters leave the club, further deepening the transition.
While Iraola has previously demonstrated an ability to rebuild teams effectively, particularly after player exits at Bournemouth, the pressure and expectations at Anfield represent a far greater challenge.
