Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Xabi Alonso would be an ideal managerial option for the Reds, though he stressed it would be unlikely and 'un-Liverpool-like' to sack Arne Slot
Xabi Alonso
A former Liverpool player has touted Xabi Alonso as a 'great option' to replace Arne Slot should he be sacked
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Brad Friedel has suggested that Xabi Alonso could be the man to take over from Liverpool boss Arne Slot. The ex-Reds shot-stopper reckons the Spaniard has what it takes to succeed at Anfield, but concedes it's unlikely.
Slot is currently in a precarious position at Liverpool, with a crucial week ahead featuring Premier League clashes against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds. The Reds are desperate to recover their form after a dismal 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest saw them narrowly escape the relegation zone.
The gloom at Anfield deepened midweek when PSV Eindhoven trounced them 4-1, piling more pressure on Slot's future. Friedel thinks Alonso could be just what Liverpool need if they decide to part ways with Slot.
Speaking to talkSPORT BET, he said: "Xabi Alonso would be a great option, but a lot would have to happen for that move to become realistic.
"He's a top manager and would really do well for them."
As speculation mounts over Slot's future at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and Alonso are among the favourites tipped by bookies.
Alonso has had a rocky start at Real Madrid since leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti. There have been reports of unrest within the Los Blancos squad following his arrival, suggesting Alonso himself may be under pressure.
However, Friedel expressed worries about Liverpool's potential decision to sack Slot and the prospect of the Bundesliga-winning manager returning to Anfield.
He added: "But Liverpool historically aren't a hire-and-fire club. It would be really surprising if they removed Slot after winning the Premier League only a few months ago and after investing in players for him. It would be very un-Liverpool-like.
"Financially, missing the Champions League spots complicates things, but replacing a Premier League–winning manager with the current manager of La Liga's top team still feels extremely unlikely.
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso
Arne Slot got one over on Xabi Alonso this season when Liverpool beat Real Madrid - but the Spaniard is being tipped to replace the unde-rfire Reds head coach
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"Liverpool fans would welcome Alonso, no doubt-but I can't see it happening."
Liverpool currently find themselves in the lower half of the Premier League table, lagging behind rivals Manchester United and Everton.
The Reds are three points shy of the Champions League places and 11 points adrift from the leaders Arsenal. Their pivotal week begins with a journey to face the Hammers on Sunday (2:05pm kick-off), who have seen a resurgence under Nuno Espirito Santo, clinching two victories in their last three matches.
"A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you losing more than this club is used," Slot stated.
"There is always pressure, last year it was to win the league but now it is a different pressure. Maybe my job is easier because I don't have to play. It's hard for every player, when we go down after five minutes and play well first half and then we concede second half, so we get knock after knock after knock.
"So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes."