Why Liverpool did not appoint Xabi Alonso as new Arne Slot sack decision made

Chelsea have swooped to snap up the former Reds midfielder as their new manager

Liverpool never attempted to hijack Chelsea’s talks for Xabi Alonso due to three reasons which have kept Arne Slot in a job.

The Reds had been expected to replace Slot with Alonso this summer due to a miserable defence of the Premier League title won last term, but Chelsea have announced the appointment of the former midfielder on a four-year deal.

It leaves Slot in a stronger position as Liverpool manager, despite overseeing a torrid campaign.

Liverpool’s hopes of retaining their league crown were all but over before December following a run of six defeats in seven Premier League games, as questions began to be raised over Slot’s long-term future.

A record-breaking £450million summer outlay, which included smashing the British transfer record twice on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, did not produce the dominant title defence some predicted.

And with two games of the season to go, Liverpool have still not confirmed their qualification for next season’s Champions League, a failure which would severely hamper the club’s finances.

Friday’s alarming 4-2 loss to Aston Villa, who did seal their spot at Europe’s top table in the process, prompted a stinging statement from departing star man Mohamed Salah, who took aim at Slot’s tactics.

It is not the first time the pair’s reportedly tense relationship has hit the headlines, and further piles the pressure on Slot to produce results.

But Slot is safe for now, and in discussions over next season.