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.
Xabi Alonso ‘more than happy’ to return to Liverpool, sources suggest
According to a Sky Sports reporter citing sources close to him, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso would be “more than happy” to return to Anfield as head coach if the opportunity arose.
Alonso, 44, was sacked by Real Madrid two weeks ago and has since been linked with Arne Slot’s role at Liverpool. Jermaine Pennant has suggested that the Dutch manager is under “added pressure” now that Alonso is available. Liverpool’s recent seventh Premier League defeat of the season may have intensified scrutiny on Slot, although journalist David Lynch has stated that the club would be reluctant to make a mid-season change. Nonetheless, Alonso’s potential return remains a talking point as long as results continue to disappoint.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Alan Irwin said: “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. Xabi Alonso’s name keeps coming up, and sources close to him indicate he would be more than happy to return.”
Should Liverpool consider replacing Slot with Alonso, it would not simply be a sentimental choice. Alonso has proven his managerial ability, guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten German double in 2023/24 and halting Bayern Munich’s dominance after 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles. While his brief stint at Real Madrid ended after seven months, the intense scrutiny and boardroom politics at the Spanish club are exceptional.
If appointed, Alonso would likely receive a warm welcome from fans. Debate over Slot’s future divides supporters: some see a mid-season sacking as rash, while others believe it may be time for change now that the Premier League triumph’s momentum has faded. Many feel Slot should be given the remainder of the season to secure Champions League qualification and a strong cup run, but failure could increase pressure on him to the point of no return.
