Liverpool’s Manager Addresses Alonso Speculation Amid Team’s Success

During his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Liverpool manager Slot was unexpectedly queried by a reporter about whether Xabi Alonso had reached out following his dismissal as the manager of Real Madrid earlier this month.

Alonso, who has a profound connection with Liverpool from his playing days between 2004 and 2009, departed Real Madrid after less than eight months in charge. While Los Blancos stated that the decision was made by “mutual consent,” reports from Spain suggest that the 44-year-old was, in fact, sacked after winning 24 out of 34 matches, with six losses.

Slot appeared stunned by the question but responded with humor, joking that Alonso had contacted him to announce that he would take over in six months, or perhaps sooner.

Despite Slot’s lighthearted dismissal of the inquiry, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed that the question was inappropriate. “That question was disrespectful,” the Netherlands international stated. “Criticism is warranted given our performance this season, particularly when reflecting on last season. It has been challenging for both the players and the manager, but Slot has managed it commendably.”

Amidst rumors linking Alonso to his position, Slot focused on the task at hand and led Liverpool to a remarkable 3-0 victory away against Marseille in the Champions League. The win positioned the Merseysiders favorably for automatic qualification to the last 16 of Europe’s premier tournament, thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, as well as an own goal from Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Currently unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions, Liverpool will host Azerbaijani side Qarabag on January 28, with Slot’s team knowing that a win at Anfield will secure them a top-four position, thereby avoiding the knockout play-off round in February.

Following the match against Marseille, Slot remarked, “Playing against Marseille is always challenging due to their passionate fans and talented players. Their manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has his team playing exceptionally well. We were prepared for that. In the first half, we intercepted the ball in promising situations but struggled to find the open player. We had several four-versus-three opportunities, and on one occasion, our pass was just offside.”

Looking ahead, Liverpool aims to extend their unbeaten streak as they return to Premier League action with an away match against Bournemouth on Saturday, just four days before their European encounter with Qarabag. Mohamed Salah, who returned to the starting lineup against Marseille after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, is expected to feature prominently.

“His long tenure with us has fostered a strong understanding of his teammates and our playing style,” Slot praised regarding Salah’s performance. “It reflects his professionalism that after a month away with a different team, he was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes today. He came close to scoring, and while it didn’t happen this time, it didn’t impact us as we netted three goals. Overall, I observed numerous impressive individual performances, similar to what I saw against Arsenal and Burnley.”