Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid on Monday, just eight months into his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the Spaniard has already been linked with a return to management
16:07, 13 Jan 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer 04 Leverkusen speaks to the media during the post match press conference following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 05, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid on Monday(Image: Naomi Baker - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has already made his position crystal clear regarding the Manchester United role.
The Liverpool legend was sacked from his position as Real Madrid manager on Monday, just 24 hours after his team's 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The 44-year-old had only been in charge at the Spanish powerhouse for eight months.
His dismissal means one of the most sought-after coaches from two summers past is now available. With reports suggesting Liverpool were keen on bringing back their former midfielder to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
During a soccer match, a group of players in red uniforms are seen in close interaction, with one player wearing the number 7, another the number 10, and a man in a black jacket standing between them, possibly indicating a moment of strategy or celebration on the field.
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Xabi Alonso is an icon at Liverpool(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
He chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for the previous campaign, with United also receiving a rejection from Alonso before they opted to extend Erik ten Hag's deal, according to The Mail.
This account aligns with earlier suggestions that the former Spain international would be hesitant to accept the Old Trafford position due to his enduring connection with Liverpool, reports the Mirror.
Even though nearly 17 years have passed since Alonso departed Anfield for Madrid, he continues to be adored by the Kop and has previously acknowledged his ongoing bond with the club he calls "family."
Steven Gerrard (C) of Liverpool celebrates with team mates Dirk Kuyt (L) and Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso considers himself a Red(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
During his return to Anfield in 2022 for a charity match, he told Liverpool's official website: "Once a Red, always a Red. It's not a logo, I think it's a reality. Not just my case, I think that most of us feel really close to the club.
"Wherever you are in the world, Liverpool fans remember you and they keep you closer to the club. That's the best thing of Liverpool. All the support and all the family that's around the world."
Speculation linking Alonso with a Liverpool return surfaced almost immediately following his departure from Madrid, though such talk remains far from realistic.
Arne Slot has successfully stabilised matters at Anfield following an alarming spell towards the end of last year which saw the defending Premier League champions stuck in the middle of the table.
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Nevertheless, the Dutch manager and his team extended their impressive undefeated run to 11 matches across all competitions on Monday evening with a commanding 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.