Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp's exit, but the Reds later appointed Arne Slot
Xabi Alonso at a press conference
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the Real Madrid job in the past
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Xabi Alonso previously confessed he never entertained the idea of replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager following the German's shock departure. It was back in January 2024 when Klopp stunned the football world by revealing his plan to step down at the end of the season.
This gave the Reds plenty of opportunity to secure his replacement, with numerous potential candidates being touted for the position, including Alonso as a leading favourite. Given his remarkable achievements with Bayer Leverkusen at that point, combined with his status as a beloved figure from his five-year stint as a player at the club, the Spaniard was heavily linked with the role.
Alonso did return to Anfield last year when Leverkusen faced the Reds in the Champions League but endured a tough evening as the reigning Bundesliga champions were thrashed 4-0, thanks to a Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo goal.
It was before the game that the 43-year-old addressed the previous speculation linking him with the Liverpool job - before Arne Slot's eventual appointment - as he explained his commitment to Leverkusen.
"At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the Leverkusen players and we were really focused on that," Alonso said. "I've seen a lot of different things Klopp implemented here but I have followed Slot too.
"I know his approach but it is combined with the intensity here at Liverpool, they have a nice mixture and that is why they are top of Premier League and Champions League. In all areas they are really strong, so the process works really well.
"The manager has done a fantastic job in three months. Gakpo, Diaz, Tsimikas, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; they have so many options."
Just two months following Klopp's announcement, Alonso put an end to rumours about his managerial future, confirming he would remain in Germany for the 24/25 season.
Arne Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title after replacing Jurgen Klopp
Arne Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title after replacing Jurgen Klopp
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Alonso was also linked with the Bayern Munich job as Thomas Tuchel was set to leave his position last year. Discussing his choice to continue with Leverkusen, he stated at the time: "I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy. We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future.
"Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision. The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team - for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here."
Alonso eventually left the German side at the end of last season as he took over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, another of his former clubs. The former Reds midfielder is set to return to Anfield on Tuesday when his new side face Liverpool in the Champions League.
Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Former Liverpool icons Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold are set to return to Anfield
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Alonso will not be the only familiar face making their way back to Merseyside. Trent Alexander-Arnold could line up against his boyhood club for the first time since leaving Liverpool in the summer.
When asked what he would do if he scored in the game, Alexander-Arnold told Prime Video Sport: "If I was to score, then I wouldn't celebrate. No."
Real Madrid have enjoyed an impressive start to the season under Alonso. Los Blancos are currently five points clear of Barcelona in the La Liga table.
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