Is Arne Slot’s job at Liverpool safe after Xabi Alonso was named new manager of Chelsea?

There has been plenty of speculation about the job security of Arne Slot on the touchline at Anfield. Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to Aston Villa on Friday only added fuel to the flames, but Slot may have been granted a new lease on life after a Premier League rival agreed to terms with the most sought after manager of the summer.

Xabi set to take charge of Chelsea

According to reports out of Stamford Bridge, Xabi Alonso is set sign a four year deal as Chelsea’s manager. News of the deal broke soon after the Blues FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday, and that would not only bring some stability to the touchline at Chelsea but it could also take Arne Slot off the hot season in Merseyside.

Slot has been feeling the heat all season after winning the Premier League in his debut season with the Reds. It has been less than a stellar season for the dutch manager who is still looking to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League following the loss at Villa Park on Friday. Those in and around the club were up in arms following the defeat and that only strengthened rumors of a potential coaching swap this summer.

The top candidate to replace Slot, if the board was to decide to move in a different direction, was Xabi Alonso. Alonso spent five years with Liverpool and cemented his legacy at the club by helping the Reds win the 2004-05 Champions League. Since Alonso made his debut on the touchline at Bayer Leverkusen, he has been on the radar of those in Merseyside.

Is Slot in the clear?

Slot bought himself some time in his first year at Anfield, winning the league title albeit with the squad that he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. A massive summer exodus led to a disappointing season, and doubts about the Dutch manager’s ability to keep Liverpool as a threat in all competitions began to grown. With the shadow of Xabi Alonso lurking, Slot’s job seemed to be under constant threat.

Now that Chelsea has lured Alonso to Stamford Bridge, it seems that Slot has seen the noose around his neck loosen. The timing couldn’t have been better considering Liverpool’s loss to Aston Villa which was followed by a not so thinly veiled X message from Mohamed Salah before the Egyptians departure from Liverpool in the coming weeks.

There is no telling if Slot’s job is safe at Anfield. If Liverpool were to somehow lose their grip on a top five spot and a place in next season’s Champions League, Slot would be put under an immense amout of pressure heading into the summer. Alonso was probably the top candidate to replace Slot if a chance was made, but there have been reports about the Reds being interested in a number of managers services this summer. Andoni Iraiola, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner are among the top potential candidates should the board want to move in a different direction.

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