Alonso sacking shouldn't pile pressure on Slot, says Mellor

ARNE Slot has been told he should not feel under increased pressure as Liverpool head coach given the availability of Xabi Alonso.

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Alonso departed his position as Real Madrid boss by mutual consent following the Spanish Super Cup loss to bitter rivals Barcelona last week barely seven months after being appointed.

Slot won the Premier League title during his debut campaign in charge at Anfield after taking on the difficult task of replacing longtime Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

This season, though, the Dutchman has seen his position heavily scrutinised with the champions down in fourth place, although they retain a strong interest in both the Champions League and FA Cup.

And former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has dismissed suggestions Slot should be concerned at the prospect of Alonso potentially replacing him in the near future.

"No, surely not," said Mellor. "He (Alonso) had great success at Leverkusen. (But) Real Madrid is Real Madrid, isn’t it?