Arne Slot’s comments about Xabi Alonso that caught attention ahead of Marseille

Liverpool’s Champions League visit to Marseille has provided the setting for an unusual side story, with Arne Slot fielding questions about speculation that appeared largely detached from reality.

The Premier League holders arrive at the Stade Velodrome in search of momentum and direction, yet the pre-match press conference took an unexpected turn.

Following Xabi Alonso’s recent dismissal by Real Madrid, the former Liverpool midfielder’s name surfaced in a question that seemed driven more by external chatter than any genuine internal consideration.

Slot addresses Alonso talk ahead of Marseille
Slot wasted little time in shutting down the suggestion on the eve of the Marseille fixture.
“He called me and said he’ll take over for six months! No, no, no,” the Dutch coach joked, clearly signalling how unusual he found the question.

He then steered the discussion back to perspective, stressing that context should not be ignored.
“I’ve been working here for 18 months and I enjoy my job,” Slot said, referencing the Premier League title secured in his first season at the club.

While admitting that the current campaign has been more challenging, the 47-year-old pointed out that frustration following a draw with Burnley is hardly uncommon at a club with Liverpool’s standards.

“I might have heard a few boos, but not many,” he added, suggesting that emotions often settle once the bigger picture is considered.

Those remarks echoed his earlier comments on pressure, where he expressed surprise at any suggestion that trust could already be fading after delivering a league title.
Performance over noise remains Slot’s message
The timing of the question was notable, arriving shortly after the 1-1 draw with Burnley — a match Liverpool largely controlled in possession and chances.

That result has fuelled broader debate, including Jamie Carragher’s view that the team may be playing with restraint as Slot looks for the right balance.

However, Slot’s response in Marseille highlighted the difference between scrutiny and genuine instability.
The former Feyenoord boss has consistently acknowledged that criticism is part of the role, but insists it does not automatically signal turmoil.

With Liverpool currently 11th in the Champions League standings, sitting on 12 points from six matches, the Marseille encounter offers a chance to shift the narrative on the pitch.

Slot is no stranger to the venue, having previously managed high-stakes European fixtures there earlier in his career.
Rather than indulging speculation about his position, the Liverpool manager made it clear that his attention remains firmly on the squad, the process and the immediate task ahead.

In a season where discussion has swung between tactics and mentality, his composed response served as a reminder that criticism does not necessarily amount to crisis.