As Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield navigates increasingly choppy waters in the 2025/26 season, a growing chorus of voices—from fans to former players and pundits—argues that the Reds’ struggles run far beyond the tactical whiteboard. Recent defeats, like the gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on January 24, 2026, have exposed vulnerabilities in defense and late-game management, but insiders point to a more profound issue: a lingering “hangover” from the Jurgen Klopp era, compounded by player distractions, inconsistent commitment, and a squad still adjusting to life without the German’s charismatic leadership. This deeper malaise is fueling the explosive debate over whether Slot should stay or be replaced by club legend Xabi Alonso in the summer.
Tactics have certainly been under the microscope. Slot’s high-pressing, possession-based system—imported from his successful Feyenoord days—has shown flashes of brilliance, such as the commanding 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille on January 21. Yet critics, including Jamie Carragher in his Sky Sports analysis, highlight “naive” elements: over-reliance on intricate build-up against low blocks, poor set-piece defending (conceding late goals repeatedly), and a lack of adaptability in transition. Liverpool have dropped points from winning positions multiple times this season, with stats showing they’ve conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes than any other top-eight side. Slot himself admitted post-Bournemouth that fatigue and wind conditions played roles, but such explanations have only amplified skepticism.
However, the root cause, as echoed by legends like Dietmar Hamann and Steven Gerrard, lies in the intangible: mentality and unity. Hamann has been vocal, urging Mohamed Salah to leave as his unresolved contract saga (expiring in 2027, amid Saudi links and public fallouts with Slot) creates a “distraction that lingers around the camp.” Salah’s benchings, his post-Brighton hint at a potential farewell, and a Premier League goal drought since May 2025 have turned a club icon into a focal point of division. Gerrard, in punditry duties, stressed that Liverpool “cannot afford distractions at this stage,” pointing to a broader issue of players not fully buying into Slot’s vision—evident in sloppy errors, like Virgil van Dijk’s uncharacteristic lapses or the midfield’s occasional lack of bite.
This “deeper” problem stems from the post-Klopp transition: the squad, built around high-intensity “Gegenpressing,” is grappling with a new identity. Reports from The Athletic note a “cultural shift” that’s left some players questioning direction, exacerbated by injuries (e.g., Harvey Elliott’s loan “nightmare” at Aston Villa) and underperformance from key figures. Fan boos after draws like Burnley signal eroding patience, with social media debates raging over whether the issue is tactical rigidity or void Klopp once filled.
Enter the exploding Slot vs Alonso debate. With Slot’s job security under review—despite FSG’s backing for now—reports of “first contact” with Alonso have ignited fervor. The Spaniard, available after his Real Madrid exit, is seen as the ideal bridge: a tactical mastermind (unbeaten Leverkusen title in 2023/24) with deep Anfield ties (2005 Champions League hero). Diario AS claims Liverpool initiated talks, with Alonso outlining ambitious demands for signings like Micky van de Ven, Adam Wharton, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise—potentially £400m to reshape the squad. Fans dream of his return injecting passion and familiarity, countering the “deeper” issues of disconnection.
Pundits warn against a “naive” mid-season change, but the debate explodes because Alonso represents hope amid the malaise: a figure who could reignite the fire Klopp left behind. Slot, meanwhile, must deliver wins and unity to silence doubters—upcoming fixtures offer a chance, but the deeper cracks suggest the Alonso whispers won’t fade easily.
For Liverpool, fixing tactics is one thing; mending the soul of the squad is another. That’s why this debate rages on.
