Arne Slot has been backed to follow up his Premier League title win with more success at Liverpool, but a familiar face has got some supporters talking.

Victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup means that Arne Slot has now managed to put together an 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions after a difficult period last year – but some fans in the Liverpool ECHO comments section are still tempted by the idea of the newly-available Xabi Alonso taking up the post at Anfield one day.

There is little hope now of Liverpool catching the Premier League leaders, Arsenal, and defending their title, with Slot’s team unable to replicate the highs and dominance of last season so far. The Dutch manager must now hope to solidify their position in the top-four and target silverware in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Anfield fan favourite Alonso’s sudden availability – after getting the sack at Real Madrid – has turned some heads, however. Alonso masterminded an unbeaten league season for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga against the likes of Bayern Munich, earning a reputation as one of the best young coaches in the world before an unsuccessful move back to Spain.

Some readers who have had enough of Slot’s style of play and results this season think Alonso should be given a call by owners FSG. Reader RedLes says: “I’m convinced the squad don’t like Slot’s way of playing. Move for Alonso ASAP, because we will never get this chance again.”

Commenter Sny writes: “The club’s No.1 choice manager is available. FSG needs to personally involve themselves in the negotiations with Alonso this time – and they need to push the boat all the way out. I’m quite sure there will be a few clubs looking to hire Alonso, as well, but we’ll have to act fast.”

G73 says: “After years of Jurgen Klopp’s exciting and cohesive football, Slot’s football is way too slow in transition. Other teams are now way more effective against us on the counter attack, which was one key feature of our play. Xabi is available and FSG need to make the move quickly!”

Kenchua writes: “11 games… an unbeaten run. But nothing impressive about performances. I’m still a believer good consistent performances will lead to long-term success. Still I don’t see that in Liverpool ever since Slot took over.

“With Alonso available, I think we should take the risk and hire Alonso. He’s really that good. He will able to build a team without big spending. He will be a long-term manager. Liverpool is his second home. Bring him home please. I would be gutted to see him managing Man Utd or Man City.”

Others aren’t yet calling for drastic action, and urge fellow supporters to keep the faith for now. On our Facebook page, Carol Wilson says: “I love Xabi, but he’s done nothing for Madrid… So what makes people believe he’d be any better at Liverpool?

“Yes as a head coach, Slot is still to prove himself, but he should at least get to the end of the season before we pass judgement.”

Ste Walker writes: “A manager needs four years to build his team. Don’t be like the others. Give Slot his chance like Jurgen got, then judge him.”

Matt Thorne adds: “I loved him at our club, but if you can’t get supposedly the best team in the world winning, what chance does he have with Liverpool?

“Stick with Slot. 11 games unbeaten is a good record to have after we were so awful, [Hugo] Ekitike and [Florian] Wirtz are starting to play off each other well, too. I’m not panicking to be honest, cement the top-four finish this season we can then kick on.”

Using the comments section below, tell us how Arne Slot can restore your faith in this Liverpool squad in the back half of this season.