Xabi Alonso is 'completely focused' on turning around his fortunes at Real Madrid amid recent talks of a sensational return to Liverpool to replace Arne Slot, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The Spanish tactician was linked with a shock move to Anfield in recent days amid growing pressure at Real, where he has won just two of his last seven games.
Alonso spoke of a bond with Liverpool when questioned over a potential return this week, ahead of Real's game with Manchester City, but Romano says that does not necessarily mean the 44-year-old is eyeing an immediate return.
There are believed to be no contacts ongoing between the camps at the moment, with Liverpool also remaining behind Slot despite their disappointing start to the season.
Xabi Alonso Not Eyeing Liverpool Return
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, squashed rumours over Alonso’s shock Liverpool return amid growing pressure on the Spaniard at Real Madrid:
“Xabi Alonso, when asked about Liverpool's job, he said, there is a bond with Liverpool, of course, but I am in the place where I want to be, Real Madrid. In the future, you never know. So, Xabi Alonso was not closing the doors to a Liverpool future.
“Let me clarify one thing. When Xabi Alonso says that, he means in the next years. So, Xabi Alonso always said that his love for his former clubs, Liverpool and Real Madrid, remains absolutely clear.
“But in this case, there are no, absolutely no contacts, because Xabi Alonso is completely focused on changing his situation at Real Madrid.
“Xabi Alonso is not talking at this point to Liverpool. So, all these kinds of stories, as of today, are speculations.
“Then, if something real, concrete will happen in the near future, guys, I will be here to let you know. But at the moment, it's just speculation over Real Madrid, over Xabi Alonso, over Arne Slot and over the Liverpool job. So, this remains the situation.”
Alonso spent five years of his playing career at Anfield, helping Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005.
The Spanish tactician coached at Bayer Leverkusen before coming to Real, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup in the 2023/24 season.
Alonso Under Pressure at Real Madrid
Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo
Real have endured a turbulent first half of the season under Alonso, who took over at the Santiago Bernabeu in June, replacing Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal.
The 44-year-old has struggled to get along with several Real superstars, including Vinicius Jr., who has informed the club he is not willing to pen a contract extension due to his strained relationship with the manager.
Real are hosting Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday and the game could prove crucial for Alonso’s chances of keeping his job, with reports in Spain suggesting a negative result could seal his fate.