Liverpool Captain Condemns ‘Disrespectful’ Question Aimed at Arne Slot

Despite Liverpool currently riding a 13-match unbeaten streak, Arne Slot is facing intense pressure at the club.

After a summer spending spree of £421m, Liverpool were widely expected to challenge for the Premier League title again in 2025/26. Big-money signings such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong had raised expectations sky-high.

But the reality has fallen far short of those hopes. Liverpool started the season brilliantly, winning their first five Premier League games, yet they have since struggled. The Reds now sit fourth in the table, a massive 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Frustration among supporters is growing, with many calling for Slot to be replaced. Those calls intensified after Xabi Alonso, a fan favourite and one of the most promising young managers in the world, left Real Madrid—sparking rumours he could be Liverpool’s next boss.

Slot Reacts to Xabi Alonso Rumours
Ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Marseille, Slot was asked if he had spoken to Alonso amid speculation the former Liverpool midfielder could succeed him.

A journalist asked:

“What do you think about the Xabi Alonso to Liverpool rumours? Do they hurt you, and do you feel the pressure from fans booing the team? Have you spoken to Xabi, or has he called you?”

Slot looked visibly puzzled and replied:
“Yes, he called me and said: ‘What do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more?’ Or maybe earlier. Maybe he takes over tomorrow! No, no, no. This is one of the weirdest questions I ever got.”

He added:

“What is there to say? I’ve been working here for just over a year and a half and I really enjoy my job. We won the league last season, and we have struggled more this season. That’s obvious. So yes, what else is there to say?”

Virgil van Dijk Defends Slot

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has since defended Slot, criticising the journalist for asking a “very disrespectful” question.
After the Reds’ 3-0 win over Marseille, Van Dijk told The Telegraph:
“That was very disrespectful. Criticism is part of the game, we know that. But it’s also why he [the journalist] isn’t here in the mixed zone.”

He continued:

“Criticism is justified given our season, especially compared to last year. We’re all working hard to improve. With so many new players and changes in style, it’s been difficult. But in my opinion, Slot has handled it well.”

“We’re in a results business, and everyone—players, manager, staff—gets judged. We’re working to improve consistently.”
Liverpool will aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches when they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, January 24.