While nothing is set in stone at this stage, Xabi Alonso could end up managing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool at some point in the future.
Amid talk of Arne Slot departing Anfield after a torrid start to 2025/26, it has now been reported that Alonso would be open to managing Liverpool if they come calling.
The Spaniard is currently in charge of Real Madrid, but there have been suggestions that his position is now under threat.
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That news may come as a surprise to some fans, given that Madrid are top of La Liga and have lost three games in all competitions so far this season, one of which was against Liverpool and saw Florian Wirtz shine.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool applauds after the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Florian Wirtz proved Xabi Alonso right when Liverpool beat Real Madrid
Wirtz has been heavily criticised following his £100m-plus transfer move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer.
However, the German had arguably one of his best games as a Red so far when Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League earlier this month.
Sofascore awarded the versatile midfielder a 7.2 rating on the night – his joint-highest rating in his last six club appearances.
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Alan Shearer praised Wirtz after the tie, and while speaking beforehand, Alonso was quick to back his former player to become a success at Anfield.
As per the Liverpool Echo, he said pre-Liverpool vs Real Madrid: “Yes, for sure [Wirtz will be a success].
“I have no doubts. It is just a matter of time. For sure it is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he’s been there all his life. And a few years in Leverkusen.
“He needs to adapt but he is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he’s competitive, so when he makes that trick, it has happened with great players in the Premier League before and I’ve no doubts with Flo.
“He is very special and probably one of the reasons I’m here now, is because of Flo, so I’m very grateful to Flo.”
Unfortunately for Alonso, Wirtz showed some of his true ability just a day later to help deal him another defeat in Spain.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso delivers a press conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
When is Florian Wirtz back from injury
After the Madrid performance, Wirtz has hardly featured in a Liverpool shirt.
He shone for Germany on international duty, but missed the Nottingham Forest defeat due to injury.
Slot provided a Wirtz update last week, suggesting the former Leverkusen star would not be out for too long.
He said: “Both muscle issues. I don’t expect Conor [Bradley] to be part of next 22 days. Florian won’t be that long.”
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