Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy fears Arne Slot’s days at Anfield could be numbered should they lose again to Galatasaray.
The Reds are on the brink of a shock Champions League exit at the hands of the Turkish giants, who take a slender 1-0 advantage into the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Anfield on Wednesday.
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A draw, let alone defeat, would send Slot’s side packing at the first hurdle in the Champions League knockout stage for the third time in a row.
One mitigating factor behind last season’s early exit is the fact they were bundled out at the hands of eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
But Galatasaray are not quite on the Parisians’ level, making a potential elimination all the more galling for Slot.
Given Liverpool’s poor Premier League title defence this season, a fraction of Liverpool supporters have called for the Dutchman to leave his post.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, Murphy is worried those calls will only grow louder should a worst-case scenario unfold at Anfield.
Should Liverpool opt to go against the grain and axe Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season, Murphy believes there’s one man who fans will be clamouring to have as the Dutchman’s successor.
Murphy’s Law
When asked by Jim White if a loss to Galatasaray would mean the end for Slot, Murphy said: “No. I don’t think the way the hierarchy work, they’d get rid and do something drastic.
“The only caveat to that is [Xabi] Alonso is free.
“And there could be some logic in saying if they’re going to do it in the summer, why not do it now? And let him see what he’s got.”
Alonso is available having been sacked by Real Madrid in January.
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The Spanish icon’s departure came just eight months into his tenure at Los Blancos, with the decision made less than 24 hours after a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.
Alonso’s Anfield ties
Alonso is no stranger to the Anfield faithful having made over 200 appearances across all competitions for the Reds between 2004 to 2009.
During his time at Liverpool, Alonso won the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Super Cup.
A classy midfielder who could land a pass on a sixpence, Alonso was calmness and poise personified during his playing days.
Classy player, classier coach?
He has since proved to be equally adept as a manager, most notably during his time in charge of German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso famously led Leverkusen to an unbeaten league campaign in 2023/24 which culminated in the club’s maiden Bundesliga title as well as the DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup.
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The Spaniard and Leverkusen came agonisingly close to adding another trophy to their incredible haul that term as they reached the Europa League final, only to be beaten 3-0 by Italian side Atalanta as Ademola Lookman bagged a sensational hat-trick.
Although Alonso’s time in Madrid didn’t quite go to plan, Liverpool fans will point to the work he did at Leverkusen as evidence he has what it takes to manage at the top level.
Alonso the answer?
However, Murphy is not quite convinced.
When asked by Simon Jordan if Alonso is the answer to Liverpool’s woes, Murphy said: “Not necessarily, but I think he’s the one the fans want.
“And I think that Liverpool will go for him.”
Yet Liverpool may not need to pursue Alonso should Slot steer his side into the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday with victory over Galatasaray.
The Reds’ must-win fixture against Galatasaray kicks off at 8pm.
