The pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot to revive a disappointing season has skyrocketed. After leading the Reds to a Premier League title the previous season, the urgency for results has intensified with Xabi Alonso now available. In a different scenario, Alonso might have replaced club legend Jürgen Klopp, but at that time, he was successful with Bayer Leverkusen.
Upcoming Match: Liverpool vs. Burnley
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
- Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- TV: USA
- Odds: Liverpool -450; Draw +550; Burnley +1000
Alonso’s dismissal from Real Madrid after just seven months puts increased stress on Slot as Liverpool aims for a Champions League slot next season, while the title seems out of reach. Their summer acquisitions, including former players under Alonso like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, add to the speculation that they might consider replacing Slot if performance does not improve.
Slot’s situation remains precarious as persistent speculations about Alonso stepping in circulate with every match. Even a victory against Burnley needs to be decisive for Liverpool, as any lackluster results may exacerbate pressures on Slot to deliver results, particularly with Mohamed Salah returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty. In Salah’s absence, Wirtz has emerged as a key contributor, showing significant improvement in recent performances.
The challenging return of Champions League matches adds more urgency as Slot tries to stabilize the team’s form following three consecutive league draws. Liverpool had a promising start, going unbeaten in their first five matches, but the current situation indicates a turning point for Slot’s management at Anfield.
