Liverpool latest: Arne Slot talks commence as Xabi Alonso gives thumbs up for return
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The latest Liverpool news sees Arne Slot talk about his future as links with Xabi Alonso continueLiverpool travel to Aston Villa on Friday evening knowing that victory could all but secure their place in next season's Champions League. Nevertheless, the 47-year-old is understood to retain the support of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, largely on the strength of Slot's remarkable Premier League title triumph last season.Securing a place in Europe's elite competition for another year would undoubtedly take some of the heat off Slot.
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageREAD MORE: Curtis Jones makes declaration over Liverpool midfield role - 'I am good enough'READ MORE: 10 players could leave Liverpool this summer as huge transfer task becomes clearToday's developments see Slot offer a fascinating insight into his own future, while comments Alonso has previously made regarding a return to the Premier League have come back into the spotlight.Arne Slot's updateDespite the uncertainty hanging over him, Slot has confirmed he has been engaged in talks with Liverpool's hierarchy over plans for next season. The Dutchman has revealed he has held discussions with sporting director Richard Hughes regarding potential summer transfer activity.When questioned about the club's summer plans ahead of Liverpool's Friday evening trip to Villa, Slot appeared initially hesitant to address his own situation, responding: "We know where we go on tour", with Liverpool scheduled to travel to the USA this summer for three pre-season fixtures.Slot then added: "Plans have been made, talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that if that's what you want to know."On whether he would remain at the club next season, he said: "I don't think I'm deciding that alone, but I have every reason to believe I will be Liverpool manager next season.
That is how things work nowadays if you don't win the league."Alonso's commentsRemarks made by former Liverpool star Alonso regarding a potential return to the Premier League have resurfaced amid speculation linking him to the Chelsea managerial vacancy. The Champions League-winning icon, who represented Liverpool between 2005 and 2009, is reportedly amongst the candidates on the Blues' shortlist for a new permanent boss, following the sacking of Liam Rosenior in April.Chelsea are understood to have opened talks with the Spaniard's representatives and, according to The Athletic, the 44-year-old is eager to take charge at Stamford Bridge.His previous comments suggest he is prepared for the demands of management in England, and will undoubtedly fuel the hopes of those Liverpool supporters who dream of Alonso snubbing the Blues in favour of a return to Anfield — should Slot depart this summer.In April 2024, while still in charge at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso responded to speculation connecting him with the Premier League, saying: "You never know.