The narrative surrounding Anfield has definitively turned negative in recent weeks.
Following a deeply frustrating 3-2 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester United over the weekend, Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign has officially hit another massive speed bump.
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That loss marked their 11th Premier League defeat of the season.
While manager Arne Slot is still expected to keep his job provided he guides the Reds to a top-five finish and secures elite European football, the immense pressure is undeniably starting to mount.
Legendary striker and pundit Gary Lineker has just thrown gas on the fire, admitting he genuinely wouldn’t be surprised to see the club make a ruthless managerial change by bringing in former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso this summer.
Arne Slot continues to struggle at Liverpool
Just 12 months ago, Slot was viewed as untouchable after brilliantly winning the Premier League title during his debut season in the Anfield dugout. However, this current campaign has been an absolute slog.
Big-money acquisitions like Florian Wirtz have struggled to find their absolute best form, and a frustrating injury to striker Alexander Isak has severely hampered their attacking flow.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker didn’t hold back his thoughts on the situation.
“Would Slot be there next season?” Lineker asked Shearer and Richards.
“Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions. I wouldn’t be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season.”
It is worth noting that Alonso is currently a high-profile free agent, having been out of work since parting ways with Real Madrid in January 2026.
He was heavily linked to the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp initially stepped down, but he opted to stay at Bayer…
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