Liverpool face a crucial period with head coach Arne Slot under pressure, and reports from Spain suggest Xabi Alonso could be waiting for his next role after his sacking at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso would reportedly be open to returning to Liverpool if head coach Arne Slot was sacked. The iconic Reds midfielder is out of the dugout after his unceremonious dismissal from Real Madrid last week.
Alonso had been highlighted as the ideal replacement for Jurgen Klopp before the Spaniard opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, winning their first-ever Bundesliga title before replacing Carlo Ancelotti 12 months later. However, his time back in the Spanish capital was ill-fated as he was dismissed following their Super Cup defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona.
A report from Marca in Spain claims Alonso plans to spend time away from the training ground and intense managerial atmosphere in the immediate future, unless Liverpool come calling any time soon.
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It is suggested that he will end up at the Anfield helm ‘sooner rather than later’, with the report claiming that the pressure surrounding Slot on Merseyside only intensifies links to Alonso.
The Dutchman is facing fresh pressure despite Liverpool’s 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Despite heeding their slump, the Reds have been uninspiring in their performances and the frustration spilt over following Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with relegation-threatened Burnley, as factions of the Anfield faithful booed the performance.
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Marca’s report adds that Alonso’s likely going to find a new club in July, with no suggestion for which league or club he will continue his managerial career at.
But the report adds that England’s top-flight will have ‘a lot to say’ with the current head coach of his beloved club under pressure.
Marcus Edwards’ second-half equaliser saw Liverpool earn another unwanted record as they failed to beat any of the three newly-promoted teams for the first time since 1981.
Slot has already faced scrutiny for their failed title defence, while his public spat with star forward Mohamed Salah split the fanbase after the Egyptians’ incendiary comments after being left on the bench for December’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
There is no suggestion that Liverpool are pondering the position of Slot, who only guided the Reds to their second top-flight crown in over 30 years last May.
However, speculation continues to intensify with Liverpool facing a crucial run of matches in the context of their league, domestic cup and Champions League aspirations.
The Dutchman was forced to face Liverpool frustration after they were booed off at home to strugglers Burnley. Slot said: “Yeah, in my head it wasn’t booing but in my head it was frustration as well.
“So if we are Liverpool and we play against Burnley, who we have to give credit to for defending, clearing balls off the line, all the things you want to see if you are the Burnley manager, trying everything to prevent us scoring.
“But if you, as Liverpool, are not disappointed by having a draw at home to Burnley, then something is completely wrong. I completely understand the frustration. I have the same frustrations, and the players definitely have the same frustrations, as the fans.”
The reigning champions are out of the Premier League title race, and although they lead the race for the final top four place, they have Manchester United and Chelsea breathing down their necks as they sit just one and two points behind, respectively.
