For Liverpool’s increasingly frustrated supporters, watching Chelsea end their six-match losing streak with a well-earned draw at Anfield on Saturday was painful enough. But Monday’s revelation that the Blues are now in talks to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager has deepened the gloom among fans who are already struggling to find hope at the end of a dark tunnel.

Alonso was widely viewed as the answer to Liverpool’s growing problems — the former Kop hero who had established himself as one of football’s most promising young coaches by guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten double.

The elegant Spaniard had long been the fans’ top choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp in 2024. Yet as the season dragged on, Alonso became seen as the only realistic alternative to Arne Slot. So, the news that Liverpool are not even contenders for Alonso’s services has left supporters baffled, especially given the club’s decision to persist with Slot for another season.

Defensive weakness

When Alonso left Real Madrid on January 12, some Liverpool-friendly journalists dismissed calls to replace Slot with the Spaniard as a typical overreaction from impatient fans, often referred to disparagingly as ‘E-Reds’ within online circles.

They repeatedly reminded everyone that Liverpool rarely sack managers — especially one who had delivered a league title the previous season. Despite overseeing the club’s worst run of results in 71 years, effectively ending their title defence by November, Slot was still said to have credit in the bank. The argument was that fans owed him gratitude for past glory.

However, emotions should never override evidence. Whether watching from the Kop or their couches, supporters could see that Liverpool were lost. Five months later, Slot still hasn’t found any answers — which is why even the more patient fans attending matches have lost confidence in the former Feyenoord boss.

Fans reach breaking point?

Although Liverpool didn’t lose to Chelsea, they were still booed off the pitch after another lifeless performance against one of the league’s worst-performing sides.

The strongest reaction came in the 66th minute when fans erupted in anger after Slot substituted Rio Ngumoha, the one player who had injected energy into an otherwise flat display. Slot explained afterward that the youngster was struggling with muscle cramps, but the justification hardly mattered to the crowd.

The fact that supporters openly challenged Slot’s decision showed that they no longer trust his judgment. Many believed it was typical of him to remove his most dangerous forward instead of the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.

It’s also worth noting that most fans do understand Slot’s caution in not overplaying Ngumoha at such a young age. However, the boos reflected deeper frustration with the manager’s overly conservative tactics and his team’s lethargic style of play.

‘Are you really serious?!’

Throughout the season, Liverpool have lacked intensity, drifting in and out of games. Even the media that once defended Slot have begun to criticise him — a shift that has clearly irritated the Dutchman. He bristled when asked if he had instructed his players to sit back after taking an early lead against Chelsea.

“Yeah, I said it after we scored the 1-0 and then we got a big chance for the 2-0,” he said sarcastically. “Didn’t you see me screaming from the sideline? ‘Go back, go back, defend your own box, defend your own box.’ Are you really serious?! Of course, that’s not the plan.”

Slot continued, “We wanted to keep pressing, but Chelsea grew more comfortable with the ball. They had no wingers, just midfielders, and they started to control the game and pass through us repeatedly. They didn’t create many chances, but they dominated the match.”

“It was tough to change that in the first half, but we made adjustments at half-time. It wasn’t perfect — they still got through a few times — but we were more dominant after the break. Unfortunately, we couldn’t score, even though we came close twice.”

“It’s unfair to say I tell my players to drop off and stop pressing. Anyone who’s watched my teams last season or this one knows that’s not how we play. It might have looked that way, but that’s never the intention.”

The obvious question remains: if that’s not the intention, why does it keep happening?

Physically and mentally fragile

Injuries have clearly played a role in Liverpool’s struggles this season. The absence of key players at different stages has hurt the team’s rhythm and consistency. Yet those setbacks have only reinforced the perception that this side is mentally and physically weak.

Slot’s possession-based approach initially seemed to ease the physical load, but many players now look drained, lacking the stamina and strength to sustain high-level performances every three or four days.

Some have blamed falling standards at Anfield. Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave, hinted that some teammates lack his commitment to fitness, while captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that a lot of behind-the-scenes work is needed to prevent another “unacceptable” season.

Slot bristled at suggestions that discipline and standards had slipped. “Does Virgil mean the same as Mo? Mo said standards are really important, and I completely agree. But I didn’t hear him say that standards are poor now. Did you?” he asked. “I’m not worried about that at all — not next season, not the one after. Not worried.”

Fans, however, are deeply concerned — and with good reason.

‘Easy to play against’

After a limp defeat to Michael Carrick’s average Manchester United side, Slot insisted he knows exactly where Liverpool must improve. “We’re already working hard on it in recent weeks because we’ve had more time on the training ground,” he told Sky Sports. “But the same problems keep resurfacing — no surprise, because it’s tough to change much mid-season.”

When asked for details, Slot refused to elaborate: “No, it doesn’t make sense to share them.” That reluctance only reinforced the impression among fans that he has run out of ideas.

Indeed, Liverpool remain sluggish and are often out-run and out-fought by opponents. As Roy Keane said after United’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford, they’ve become “an easy team to play against.” Matches against the Reds are now seen as opportunities for struggling sides like Wolves, Spurs, or Chelsea to regain form.

A wasted campaign

Sadly, Liverpool’s dismal end to a chaotic season is hardly shocking. It’s the predictable result of the club’s indecision. The team’s flaws were exposed during the disastrous run between September and November, and the board should have either dismissed Slot or strengthened the squad in January.

Instead, what might have been salvaged has been squandered. The team has drifted aimlessly, and faith in both the manager and the hierarchy has eroded.

The club reportedly briefed the media that the cup games against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain would determine Slot’s future. Yet despite losing all three matches without scoring and conceding eight goals, his position appears secure.

As Jamie Carragher warned, Liverpool risk repeating Manchester United’s mistake with Erik ten Hag, whose second season at Old Trafford collapsed before the club finally dismissed him.

To his credit, Slot has admitted that nothing Liverpool do in their final two league fixtures can make up for this dreadful, trophy-less campaign. However, he insists, “If we have the summer we’re planning for, I’m 100 per cent convinced we’ll be a different team next season.”

Fans, though, expect more of the same — and they fear that by the time Liverpool finally accept change is necessary, Xabi Alonso will be long gone.