Liverpool fell to their ninth defeat in 12 games in Wednesday’s shock 4-1 loss to PSV, which has cast further doubt over Arne Slot’s long-term prospects at Anfield.
Six months after leading the Reds to their second-ever Premier League title, the Dutch tactician now faces heavy scrutiny after overseeing the club’s worst run of results in seven decades.
While Liverpool would reportedly have to pay hefty compensation if they sack Slot, growing fan uproar may eventually leave the Anfield chiefs with no choice but to show the 47-year-old, who only joined the Merseysiders last year, the door.
Liverpool Must Be on Red Alert for Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reacts
While speculation is spreading over who could take over from Slot mid-season to try and steady the sinking ship at Anfield, the name of Xabi Alonso also comes to mind, considering his difficult start at Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool midfielder only joined Los Blancos in the summer but is already facing tensions at the club amid a reported fallout with several first-team stars, including forward Vinicius Jr.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, the Brazil international has told Real that he does not intend to renew his contract amid his strained relationship with Alonso.
While this does not put the Spanish manager’s position at risk, a report in Spain reinforced the initial claims of a strained relationship and named six other Real stars, including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, who have reportedly struggled to get along with Alonso.
Although a knee-jerk move from Real chiefs seems unlikely at this stage of the season, Liverpool should stay alert to developments around Alonso.
The 44-year-old, praised as 'one of the best managers in the world', is a proven winner and knows the Anfield side well, having spent five years of his playing career there, including winning the Champions League in 2005.
Xabi Alonso’s Record Speaks for Itself
Xabi Alonso
Alonso, who started his coaching career in 2018 at Real Madrid’s youth academy, took his first senior management role four years later when he was appointed at Bayer Leverkusen.
In his first full season in 2022/23, the Spanish tactician went unbeaten in Germany, leading Leverkusen to a league and cup double and the Europa League final.
Alonso won an impressive 89 of his 140 games in charge of Leverkusen, averaging 2.14 points per game, while his start at Real has also been promising.
Los Blancos have secured 18 wins in their first 24 games under the 44-year-old and currently sit top of the La Liga standings, a point above arch-rivals Barcelona.