Liverpool Make ‘Positive Approach’ to Xabi Alonso—But It’s Complicated

The Spaniard’s availability will only increase the mounting pressure on Arne Slot.

Xabi Alonso spent five years at Liverpool as a player. | Ruben De La Rosa/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Liverpool have made contact with Xabi Alonso’s representatives to gauge his interest in becoming the club’s next manager, reports in Spain claim.

The Spaniard was in contention to succeed Jürgen Klopp when the German opted to step down at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, but decided to remain in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, who he had just led to a first-ever Bundesliga title while going unbeaten.

Liverpool pivoted to poach Arne Slot from Feyenoord, and went on to lift the Premier League title in the Dutchman’s first season in charge. Alonso, meanwhile, wasn’t able to best Bayern Munich for a second straight year, but did enough to convince the hierarchy of Real Madrid that he should be the person to replace the long-serving Carlo Ancelotti.

Ultimately, Alonso’s return to Spain proved to be an unmitigated disaster. Under pressure from the get-go, Real Madrid were humiliated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup, losing 4–0, and Alonso quickly saw his authority undermined by a dressing room of players who weren’t afraid to show their frustrations towards his decisions. He was sacked in mid-January after losing to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

Less than two weeks after his axing, Spanish publication AS report that Liverpool have been in contact with Alonso’s camp, as they explore their own options after an indifferent second season under Slot.

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Does Xabi Alonso Want Liverpool Return?

Xabi Alonso didn’t last long at Real Madrid. | Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Alonso has made no secret in the past that he’d be open to returning to Liverpool. He spent five years at the club as a player from 2004–09, winning the Champions League and Super Cup in 2005, and built a strong connection with supporters.

“Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for now this is my place,” Alonso said in December, when he was still employed as Real Madrid’s manager. “In future, you never know what might happen.”

That proved to be true as little over a month later Alonso was given the boot by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. Club sources have maintained the separation was mutual, but that version of events has been wildly disputed in the press.

The report from AS indicates nothing has changed in regards to Alonso’s recent comments. Liverpool’s approach is said to have been met with a “positive response,” reiterating their belief that strong options are out there should Slot’s position become untenable.

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Will Liverpool Sack Arne Slot?

The pressure is building on Arne Slot. | Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images

The big question is whether Liverpool are prepared to part ways with Slot. He delivered an unexpected Premier League title in his maiden campaign, when many felt that both he and the club would need to acclimatise to the departure of Klopp.

Consequently, Liverpool found themselves in a position they didn’t expect to be in and bumped up their plans of a squad overhaul. They spent over £400 million ($538.9 million) on new players, breaking the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and then Alexander Isak, and were the overwhelming favourites to retain their crown in the eyes of many pundits, supporters and neutral onlookers.

Instead, Liverpool have lost their way this season, failing to properly integrate their new signings—injuries have played a major part—and get them up to speed. They’ve also had to deal with the sudden, tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in July.

At the time of writing, Liverpool have lost 10 times across all competitions from 34 matches played, winning just half (17). They’ve already been beaten seven times in the Premier League—Saturday’s 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth their most recent arrear—which is three more than they lost in the entirety of last season.

The pressure is building on Slot, with disjointed performances and an alarming amount of goals conceded the primary concern, and there’s been suggestions he could be removed from his role. Spanish media suggest he’ll be given until the season’s end, by which time a decision will be made on whether to formally pursue Alonso—it’s unlikely he’ll take another job in the meantime and will instead enjoy some time off before getting back on the touchline.

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