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Liverpool’s stance on Xabi Alonso with talks ongoing to replace Arne Slot
Liverpool‘s dwindling form has returned after consecutive draws against Leeds United and Fulham, with the reigning English champions now 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Pressure is also mounting on manager Arne Slot after what can only be described as a catastrophic defence of their Premier League crown.
The Dutchman was backed extensively during the summer transfer window, with Liverpool’s hierarchy greenlighting a spending spree exceeding £400 million on new signings.
However, those investments have failed to deliver the anticipated returns.
The gap to the summit now seems insurmountable, with Arsenal showing no signs of relinquishing their stranglehold on top spot.
A brief festive pick-up in form hasn’t been enough to restore any realistic hope of the Reds catching Mikel Arteta’s side, even if they reign victorious against them tomorrow, so Liverpool’s sole league focus is now finishing in the top four.
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Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting Slot would not continue as Liverpool manager beyond this week, but this is yet to be backed up by reliable outlets closer to home.
If Liverpool do opt to hand Slot his P45, a big name has been regularly touted to replace him — Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard has endured pressure of his own since he swapped his fairytale journey at Bayer Leverkusen for the Bernabeu, and the former Liverpool midfielder is reportedly keen on Anfield as an alternative landing spot.
Now, Football 365 have relayed major claims from Spain about Alonso and a possible move back to Merseyside.
Liverpool in talks with Xabi Alonso to replace Arne Slot
Indeed, it is now believed that talks between Liverpool and Alonso’s representatives have been ongoing for weeks.
The groundwork has apparently been laid with both parties understanding exactly what would be required should the opportunity materialise.
The Spanish giants face Atlético Madrid in their Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday, a fixture that could prove decisive for the 43-year-old’s future in the capital.
Defeat would apparently spell real danger of a dismissal for Alonso, potentially freeing him to accept the Liverpool position immediately.
Liverpool are said to believe that Alonso ‘fits perfectly’ as a replacement for Slot, with this report even sensationally stating that he has already reached a preliminary agreement.
However, given the boldness of this claim, time will tell whether it bears any fruit.
The former Leverkusen boss, who guided them to an unprecedented invincibles campaign in 2023/2024, possesses exactly the profile of coach Liverpool must seek in their next appointment.
His five-year playing career at Anfield means he understands the club’s culture, expectations and demands intimately. Club legend Jürgen Klopp is a massive fan of his counterpart too, calling Alonso the ‘standout’ name in this next generation of young managers.
Meanwhile, those in Germany have branded him a tactical genius.
“He does such a tremendous job,” said Sky Sports’ Felix Fischer in 2024.
“He is not only a genius tactician and in terms of how he prepares his team, but he is a gentleman. Everything he does, he does right.
“I imagine he will be the Liverpool coach one day.”
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