According to what one Sky Sports reporter has heard from ‘sources close to’ Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder would be ‘more than happy’ to return to Anfield in the guise of head coach if the opportunity were to arise.
The 44-year-old was sacked by Real Madrid a fortnight ago and has been at the epicentre of speculation linking him with Arne Slot’s job ever since, with Jermaine Pennant believing that the incumbent boss is under ‘added pressure’ now that the Spaniard is available.
Scrutiny over the Dutchman’s position may have intensified after the Reds’ seventh Premier League defeat of the campaign at the weekend, although reliable journalist David Lynch recently stated that LFC would be highly reluctant to make a change in the dugout mid-season.
Nonetheless, the spectre of Alonso seems set to loom over the current Liverpool head coach for as long as results on the pitch suffer, and it’s now been claimed that the 2005 Champions League winner would jump at any opportunity to go back to Anfield.
Alonso ‘would be more than happy’ to go back to Liverpool
In an update on Sky Sports News on Monday lunchtime, Alan Irwin outlined: “It does seem strange that a Liverpool manager who won the league for them so convincingly is under pressure, but this club has very high standards indeed, and the Liverpool hierarchy may well be considering their options.
“Xabi Alonso’s name is constantly mentioned in these parts and sources close to him indicate he would be more than happy with a return to the club.”
Could Liverpool viably replace Slot with Alonso in the coming months?
If indeed it’s true that the Spaniard would be interested in taking the reins at Liverpool, that might give FSG something to contemplate in the months ahead.
This isn’t a mere case of bringing in a beloved former player to get the fans onside – Alonso has shown his managerial pedigree by leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten German double in 2023/24 and halting the Bayern Munich juggernaut after they’d won 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles.
At surface level, being jettisoned by Real Madrid after just seven months doesn’t look great, but the level of boardroom politics and media/fan scrutiny one must endure in the Bernabeu dugout is perhaps unparalleled in world football.
If Alonso were to be appointed as the next Liverpool head coach, whenever that may be, it’s a decision which’d surely be warmly welcomed by many Kopites.
The discourse over Slot is a divisive issue among the fan base – some feel that it’d be a knee-jerk reaction to dispense with the man who led us to Premier League glory only nine months ago; others believe the credit in the bank from that triumph has now run out and the time for change is now.
Our view is that the Dutchman ought to be given the remainder of this season to try and ensure Champions League qualification via domestic placing, along with going deep into that competition in the spring. Should he fail in that mission, the scrutiny over his future may reach a tipping point.
If Xabi Alonso become brand new Liverpool FC manager and if Xabi Alonso hire Steven Gerrard a Brand New Liverpool FC Assiantant Manager too
And Daniel Agger as the set pieces coach!
There is no more football manager in Liverpool. It will be head coach and assistant head coach. I wouldn’t mind both coming in now. Previously I was holding out for at least end of season because no other suitable candidates were available. It is not the case now.
WhyHire Elite Manager and Legend Who is not so good In coaching staff
Arne Slot and fsg time to go or switch a PIF Newcastle United FC Now Today?
It is clear to all and sundry that Slot must go now, his style of play is nonsensical!! Liverpool will end up at the bottom of the top 10 at best if he is allowed to carry on, or even outside it. LFC won’t make the top 4 with Slot in charge. Like I said elsewhere, FSG waits for disaster to hit first before doing something about a crisis The rot starts right there
Matter who we sign, Slot is unabke to coach or manage them. He confuses them in every game. He should stpp blaming the low block. He had enuff time to sort it out. Alonso would surely be more than welcome. We cnt spend £450m but end up outside top 4
‘Sources’.. Joke.. may as well talk to Sauces!
At this time, Arne Slot’s plans are not working and he will never accept that. He is optimistic that the expensive strikers he bought will finally pick up form and become familiar with their teammates’ way of playing, and Liverpool will improve. But he needs to communicate that clearly with the rest of the team, especially with sensitive players like Mo Salah. If we give him time, he will get back to his best. The Dutch are smart fighters and very organised people, and so is Arne Slot.