David Ornstein drops Xabi Alonso to Liverpool bombshell

David Ornstein has dropped a bombshell for Liverpool fans about Xabi Alonso.

It couldn't be clearer that a large portion of Liverpool fans want change in the dugout. That's been the case for a while with 'online' fans but Anfield on Sunday showed even the matchgoing group are unhappy.

Article continues under the video

Booing was heard as Liverpool put in yet another subpar performance. This time it came against a Chelsea side that had lost their last six but unquestionably got the better of the Reds at Anfield.

They had the better chances, more of the ball, more of the tackles. Chelsea were simply the better side - and that's inexcusable.

The chief candidate to replace Arne Slot is Xabi Alonso, who is currently between jobs after leaving Real Madrid in the winter. The Reds' former midfielder has long been linked - but it sounds as though he won't be taking over anytime soon.

In fact, it sounds as no one will replace Slot as Liverpool intend to stick with him. That's according to journalist David Ornstein.

"My information is that Xabi Alonso is not under consideration at Liverpool at all and that Liverpool fully intend to go into next season with Arne Slot as their head coach," he told NBC Sports.

It sounds as though Liverpool's head coach situation is sorted, then. They're picking Slot and will give him another chance in 2026/27.

Arne Slot: Situation Summary

Liverpool Performance and Stats

As of 12 May 2026, Arne Slot remains under intense scrutiny at Liverpool following a difficult second season. After leading the Reds to the Premier League title in 2024/25, his side has struggled this term, currently sitting fourth in the table. Across 35 league matches, Liverpool have recorded 17 wins, seven draws, and 11 defeats, conceding 47 goals. Most recently, Slot was subjected to loud boos at Anfield during a 1–1 draw with Chelsea on 9 May. The frustration peaked when he substituted teenage star Rio Ngumoha, who had assisted the opening goal; Slot later clarified the player was suffering from cramp. Liverpool have already exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to PSG and are mathematically out of the title race, though Champions League qualification for next season is nearly secured.

Future and Management Speculation

Despite the fan backlash and high-profile availability of Xabi Alonso, prominent reports on 11 May indicate that Liverpool have "no intention" of pursuing their former midfielder. David Ornstein confirmed that the club fully intends to support Slot and enter the 2026/27 season with him at the helm. This stance persists even as Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Alonso to make him their next permanent head coach. Slot is expected to lead a massive summer squad overhaul, which includes finding replacements for the departing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Managerial Summary

Slot’s win percentage has dropped from 66% last season to approximately 53% this campaign. While he has managed to maintain a competitive league position, the combination of tactical rigidness, a public falling out with Mohamed Salah, and a perceived lack of creativity in the squad has tested the patience of the Anfield faithful.