Xabi Alonso has already hinted that he would jump at the chance to manage Liverpool if Arne Slott is sacked in the near future. The current Reds manager is under immense pressure after a disastrous start to their Premier League title defense. Mohamed Salah’s explosive outburst after last weekend’s draw with Leeds United has further complicated his situation.
It is believed that Liverpool’s leaders are backing Slott to turn things around, but it is also believed that Slott retains the support of the majority of the dressing room. However, it would not be too surprising if the Dutchman was relieved of his duties if his results do not improve soon. If that happens, Alonso could emerge as one of the candidates to become the manager at Anfield.
The former Reds midfielder is now Real Madrid manager and is reportedly on the verge of being sacked himself. They are currently four points behind league leaders Barcelona, and have won only four of their six Champions League games.
Another poor result against Alaves this weekend could spell the end for Alonso, paving the way for him to take over as manager if Liverpool decide to sack him.
Although he was heavily linked with the job of manager Jurgen Klopp when he retired in 2024, he ultimately chose to remain at Bayer Leverkusen after winning the Bundesliga.
However, things could be different this time around, as the Spaniard has admitted in the past that he has a “dream” of managing Liverpool.
In 2018 he said: “Certainly, I dreamed of it, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide to take the chance as a manager somewhere along the way, the link with Liverpool, the commitment and the passion will be there.”
Alonso reiterated his links with Liverpool when asked about the situation at Anfield earlier this week, telling Spanish media: “Of course I have ties with my former club, but for now this is where I am. I don’t know what will happen in the future.”
It remains to be seen whether his ‘dream’ will come true in the not-too-distant future, but any chance of a return to Liverpool is likely to depend on whether Slott can steady the ship.
The much-criticized Dutchman recently insisted that Liverpool owners FSG are still right behind him, saying last month: “I don’t think it matters whether it’s fair or not, but it’s normal, I understand.”
“When every manager in the world loses a football game, let alone as many as we lost, it’s very normal for people to have an opinion about it.
“And whether that’s fair or unfair is up to the public to decide. But that’s normal. I think when you lose too many times, people start talking about it.”
“I think this is a shock for everyone. For the players, for the journalists here, for me. It’s a shock for everyone. If you look at our quality, it’s very, very, very unexpected.”
