Glen Johnson believes Xabi Alonso is likely to coach Liverpool in the future, yet feels current manager Arne Slot should not face extra pressure now. Johnson thinks
Slot’s recent Premier League title win with the Reds earns patience, despite a tougher second campaign leaving Liverpool sixth and 14 points behind the leaders.
The former right-back also notes Alonso’s strong appeal to supporters, due to past success at Anfield and recent coaching impact in Europe. However, Johnson stresses that constant talk of Alonso as a replacement risks unfair scrutiny on Slot, who is only months into defending that league crown.
Slot arrived from Feyenoord and quickly guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in the first season. The follow-up year has brought more challenges, with results dipping and performances below expectations. Johnson argues that such fluctuations are normal at elite clubs and do not erase Slot’s early successes on Merseyside.
Johnson insists that the scale of Slot’s work deserves patience from Liverpool’s hierarchy and fans. "I think you have to respect how good of a job [Slot] has done. He’s obviously still a fantastic manager. Yes, they’re not performing to the level that they’re used to, but you’re always going to be under pressure in a job like that. That’s understandable. I think we should definitely give him time. What he’s achieved so far warrants that. And hopefully he’ll have time to turn it around. "
Alonso and Johnson previously shared the dressing room at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez, before Alonso’s move to Real Madrid and later Bayern Munich. That playing spell built a strong bond with Anfield supporters, which still influences views on potential future managers and shapes the discussion around the current role.
After retiring, Alonso moved into coaching and quickly built momentum. A successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen brought a Bundesliga title, and many observers rated Alonso among Europe’s leading emerging coaches. A short and difficult tenure as Real Madrid head coach ended with dismissal earlier this month, restarting talk of a Liverpool reunion.
Those achievements, combined with sentimental links, fuel debate about a possible appointment if Liverpool change direction. Johnson recognises the attraction but continues to stress fairness towards Slot. He underlines how conversations about future managers usually intensify whenever form drops, particularly at clubs with Liverpool’s expectations and global interest.
"There’s always going to be questions in the biggest clubs with the biggest managers, as soon as some form dips or results don’t start going your way," Johnson told Stats Perform. "There’s always speculation. Probably every manager in the league’s got a target on their back. Somebody else wants that job. Someone wants them fired. Someone wants them to stay. So, that’s the hot seat that they’re in. [Speculation about Alonso] is always going to happen. Obviously, Xabi’s done a great job, especially early on for such a young manager, of course. And obviously, with his connection to Liverpool, there’s always going to be that connection, the same with Stevie [Gerrard]. So, I’m sure one day he’ll get a look in, but I think it’d be a bit harsh on Arne to sort of lean on him with that sort of pressure right now. "
Johnson’s comments highlight how both managers’ recent records shape the debate.
| Figure | Club role | Recent highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Arne Slot | Liverpool head coach | Premier League title in first season |
| Xabi Alonso | Former Liverpool midfielder, ex-Real Madrid coach | Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen |
Magnificent from Xabi 25/04/09 pic.twitter.com/D1esHqlAYBLiverpool FC (@LFC) April 25, 2025
Alonso’s long-range goals and composed midfield play, recalled in posts such as the 25 April 2025 clip, help sustain admiration among Liverpool fans. Johnson accepts that emotional pull and predicts a future opportunity for Alonso, while still arguing that Slot’s achievements justify continued backing during a difficult domestic campaign.
