Fresh insight from Fabrizio Romano has cast fresh doubt over Arne Slot’s long-term future at Liverpool FC, with Champions League qualification now emerging as the key factor that could determine what happens next.
According to Romano, Slot’s position at Anfield is not entirely secure if the Reds fail to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. After a hugely impressive debut campaign in which Liverpool lifted the Premier League title in 2024/25, expectations were naturally raised.
However, this season has not followed the same smooth trajectory. The Merseyside club have struggled for consistency and currently find themselves outside the top five, putting their Champions League hopes under real pressure.
That said, the situation is far from hopeless. Liverpool remain within touching distance of the qualification spots and are just two points behind Chelsea FC in fifth place. A strong finish to the season could still rescue their European ambitions. Recent performances suggest signs of recovery as well, with four victories in their last five matches boosting belief that they can still turn things around domestically.
Romano explained on his “Here We Go” podcast that Champions League football is considered crucial for both the club and the manager. Securing a top-tier European spot would not only strengthen Liverpool financially and competitively, but would also allow Slot to approach the summer in a far calmer environment.
Failure to qualify, however, could trigger a serious internal review once the campaign ends.
He indicated that if Liverpool miss out on Europe’s elite competition, the club’s hierarchy — including owners, board members, and senior management — are expected to hold detailed discussions about the direction of the project.
Slot’s future would reportedly be one of the central topics in those conversations. While he still has credit in the bank due to last season’s title success, that goodwill may not be unlimited if standards drop significantly.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool midfielder, now regarded as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents at just 44 years old, is once again being linked with a potential return to Anfield — this time as head coach.
Though Romano stopped short of saying Liverpool are actively pursuing him, he did confirm that Alonso is carefully weighing his next move.
Interest from Olympique de Marseille reportedly surfaced after Roberto De Zerbi left the French club, but Alonso is said to have declined the opportunity. Instead, he prefers to wait for the right project and is monitoring possible managerial changes across Europe in the coming months.
With uncertainty also surrounding the futures of elite managers such as Pep Guardiola, the summer could bring significant movement among Europe’s biggest clubs.
For Liverpool, much will hinge on whether they secure Champions League football — because that single outcome may ultimately decide whether Arne Slot remains at the helm or a new era begins
