Both Alonso and Slot have come under pressure so far this season with Real Madrid and Liverpool having disappointing campaigns.
Former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso is under increasing pressure at Real Madrid, with reports over the future of the manager. It comes amid pressure on Reds boss Arne Slot amid a disappointing season so far.
Both managers are currently in a poor run of form with their teams. Slot will, however, hope that the 1-0 Champions League win over Inter on Tuesday night will act as a springboard for the side.
There was no such respite for Alonso, who saw his team fall to a 2-1 home loss against Manchester City in their Champions League clash. It means that the Spanish giants have won just two of the last eight games.
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Before the match, some Spanish reports claimed that the game against Man City could be Alonso’s last if he failed to win. If that is the case is still to be seen.
But the situation highlights the pressure that comes with being in charge of the biggest clubs. Speaking to Betfairformer Premier League striker Alan Shearer said: “I wouldn’t talk about someone being sacked who is still in a job. What I’d say with Real Madrid, Alonso knows more than anyone because he’s played there.
“When you think about big club scrutiny over in England, for Real Madrid and Barcelona, the pressure is four, maybe five times more than it is any club over here in England.
“If you’ve only won two from eight, you run the risk of losing your job – particularly at those two football clubs.”
Despite the disappointment of the loss against City, Alonso has been backed by Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.
“After that run of draws, we had some great conversations internally and felt we’d put that form behind us before the last couple of games. No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.
“We’re still trying to work it out within the changing room regardless of what goes on outside. We know that’s not helpful. One thing is how we’re managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer it feels like we always concede and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don’t want to.
“But in the changing room we have what we need to turn it around, we need maybe a bit of luck or maybe something we need to discuss internally. I have faith this season isn’t over just because we’re in a bad run of form.”
This summer saw Trent Alexander-Arnold complete a move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, but after making his way back from a hamstring injury, the full-back now faces more time on the sidelines due to a muscle tear. Alexander-Arnold has missed the last two games.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to ease the pressure on Slot this weekend when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. Forward Mohamed Salah will be included in the squad after holding clear the air talks with Slot.
The Egyptian was left out the travelling group against Inter following an interview where he accused the club of throwing him under the bus. He also spoke about his deteriorating relationship with the Liverpool boss.
Going into the game Liverpool sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
