Liverpool strike ‘agreement’ with Slot replacement amid claims Reds boss will be sacked ‘this week’…

Liverpool has reportedly reached a ‘preliminary agreement’ with Arne Slot replacement to take over as head coach, amid speculation that Arne Slot may be dismissed this week.

The Reds are struggling this season in the Premier League, currently sitting 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Consecutive draws in the Premier League have left them just seven points clear of 14th-placed Crystal Palace, putting increasing pressure on Slot.

The Liverpool board supported Slot during the summer transfer window, investing over £400m in new players.

Earlier this week, a report suggested that Slot ‘will not remain as Liverpool manager beyond this week’ after the club made a ‘final decision’ regarding the Dutchman’s future.

The report indicated that the Liverpool board considers the 14-point deficit to Arsenal ‘unacceptable given the substantial investment made last summer.’

Additionally, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid’s head coach Alonso, who is also facing pressure at the Bernabeu, ‘has a preliminary agreement with Liverpool to become their new manager.’

There are speculations that Alonso could be replaced at Real Madrid if they lose their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

The report further states: ‘At Anfield, they are closely observing the situation. While Arne Slot began the project on a strong note, the English club is not fully convinced that his time in charge will be prolonged.

The sentiment is that Liverpool requires a new direction on the bench to regain its peak performance and maximize the potential of players like Wirtz, with Xabi Alonso being the name that has garnered the most support among the sporting directors.

Liverpool is convinced that Xabi Alonso aligns seamlessly with their football philosophy. He is familiar with the club, understands the demands of the Premier League, and possesses a contemporary profile that resonates with the board. Consequently, discussions have been taking place for several weeks, and the circumstances are clearly defined. Thus, if Xabi becomes a free agent following the Super Cup, Liverpool will act swiftly.

Former Liverpool player John Aldridge believes that Slot could join Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim as unemployed Premier League managers unless the Reds witness some signs of progress soon.

In his latest column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge stated: “Chelsea dismissed Maresca. United have let go of Amorim. Both are aware of the significance of securing a top-four finish. They are taking action now rather than postponing it, aiming to achieve a top-four spot. They are making the change before it becomes too late. We should be cautious of both of them.

“The owners have remained supportive of Arne despite our challenging season, but had we not won the league last year, his situation might have been different. He could have lost his position as well.”

Aldridge further remarked: “We are not a club that easily dismisses managers. We don’t operate that way; we are not like United, but Arne is not foolish. If he fails to deliver, that is simply the nature of the game. He is aware of it; we all are. Let’s hope he can turn things around, but we need to see some signs.”