Liverpool report: Xabi Alonso's 'return decision' confirmed, as pressure mounts on Arne Slot

Arne Slot’s job has seemingly been under threat for large parts of the 2025-26 season, but never more than tonight as his side prepares to head into battle against PSG.

The Liverpool manager suffered defeat to PSG in last season’s Champions League Round of 16, a loss that seemingly sparked a run of poor form for the Reds across the rest of 2025.

His side will take to the pitch of the Parc Des Princes for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, with frustration among Liverpool fans mounting.

Arne Slot’s job is under increased pressure as Xabi Alonso return looms

Arne Slot’s latest Liverpool result came in the form of a demoralising 4-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City, knocking his side out of the FA Cup.

As the travelling Liverpool faithful left the Etihad shortly after the second half commenced, fans were heard singing Xabi Alonso’s name.

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Xabi Alonso - one of FourFourTwo’s picks to succeed Slot in the event of his departure from Liverpool - managed Real Madrid from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener in June 2025 to the club’s 3-2 Supercup loss to rivals Barcelona in January 2026.

During his time in Spain, he won La Liga Manager of the Month in August 2025 after a perfect start to the season, with Real Madrid being second in the table at the time of his departure from the club.

On the other hand, Slot has led Liverpool to a fifth-placed Premier League table position currently, suffering 16 losses in all competitions - just three shy of the most defeats suffered by Liverpool in a single season this century.

According to a report from TEAMTalk, Alonso, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid, is gearing up for a return to management ahead of next season.

The Spaniard’s Real Madrid exit has prompted many Premier League clubs to be on alert, including Liverpool, as they consider a managerial change.

Another report by talkSPORT notes that Alonso would naturally be the most likely replacement for Arne Slot; however, Manchester City are also in the picture with Pep Guardiola's future uncertain.

As it stands, Alonso’s camp insists there have been no formal discussions with any club about his return to management.

Arne Slot — whose job is in serious peril as he returns to the stadium of the first side that truly haunted him at Liverpool — will hope to get back to winning ways as his team takes on PSG this evening in the Champions League quarter-finals.