Xabi Alonso's decision to join Chelsea rather than pursue a return to Liverpool suggests that Arne Slot's position at Anfield remains secure, according to former Reds defender John Arne Riise. The Spanish tactician, who won the Champions League during his five-year spell as a Liverpool player, has opted for Stamford Bridge instead, signalling that the Merseyside club made no approach to keep him on standby.
Riise's analysis centres on the timing and speed of Alonso's Chelsea appointment. Had Liverpool entertained serious doubts about Slot's future, the club would have already opened dialogue with the 44-year-old manager. "If Liverpool had been thinking about letting Arne Slot go, they would have spoken to Xabi already," Riise explained exclusively to GOAL. "I think Xabi, if he knew there was a chance with Liverpool, he would have waited. But since he took the Chelsea job now, quite quickly as well it seems, it kind of tells me that maybe there wasn't as much talk as people say."
Fan Frustration Does Not Equal Managerial Crisis
Slot has endured mounting criticism from sections of the Anfield faithful during a testing 2025-26 campaign. Recent substitution decisions, particularly the removal of academy prospect Rio Ngumoha in recent matches, drew audible boos from supporters. However, Riise cautioned against interpreting isolated moments of discontent as a sign the manager's tenure is ending.
The Norwegian explained that tactical decisions, when properly communicated, can retain credibility even when unpopular. "It's more like things he's done in the games that the fans don't agree with," Riise said. "When he takes Rio off, he explained that after. Rio probably didn't have sprints in him, he couldn't track back, he didn't have the energy in the first half. These things will make the team look bad if you don't have the players who can do the work." Despite Liverpool securing Champions League qualification this season, significant investment in the transfer market has failed to generate the domestic title challenge many expected following last year's Premier League triumph.
The real concern for Slot would emerge if negativity becomes universal rather than reactive to specific moments. Currently, the board appears to retain confidence in the manager's long-term vision, a position reinforced by their apparent lack of movement toward his potential successor.
