Gary Lineker names manager he thinks Liverpool may replace Arne Slot with this summer

Gary Lineker has confessed he wouldn't be shocked if Xabi Alonso takes over from Arne Slot at Liverpool next season. The reigning Premier League champions have endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign with the 3-2 loss to Manchester United putting Slot firmly back in the spotlight. Three straight Premier League victories prior to the Old Trafford setback had eased the scrutiny on his position but doubts have resurfaced, with Lineker posing the crucial question and offering his managerial forecast. "Would Slot be there next season? Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions," he said to Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast . "I wouldn't be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season." Shearer responded: "I think in terms of what he did last season and winning the league, manager of the season. With the issues and the problems they've had at Liverpool this year, then yeah, I do. If it were my choice, I would have him as manager, yeah." Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool role since Jurgen Klopp announced his planned departure in January 2024. He was in the midst of a highly successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen at that stage. Last summer, Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid but the Spaniard was dismissed earlier this year. While much of the attention has been directed at who will be in the dugout next term, Richards turned his fire on the players, with his comments aimed squarely at four new signings, as Shearer was seen nodding in agreement. The former Manchester City man said: "I think where the scrutiny comes is the signings. They've not worked. [Alexander] Isak has been injured, Wirtz has not been at the level we all expect, Frimpong is your right winger, your right-back, it's not really working out. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page "[Milos] Kerkez has been a shadow of the player who was at Bournemouth . I don't know if that's pressure or if that's the system. "Liverpool are too slow, too passive, they're too easy to play against. What you normally associate Liverpool with is being aggressive, hard to beat, work-rate, especially under Klopp and they're none of those things. I'd like the manager to get a chance to turn those things around." One of the standout figures who embodied Klopp's side was Mohamed Salah , though he is due to leave Anfield when the season draws to a close. A recent injury ruled him out of the defeat to United, but he is anticipated to play a part in Liverpool's remaining three fixtures. Alexander Isak and Alisson were also missing on Sunday, with Slot providing an update following the final whistle. He said: "Alisson hasn't trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We're hoping for him to be ready next week, but we have to wait and see how the week will go. "The same can be said about Alex - we're hoping to have him back next week." Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.