Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid amid calls for him to take over from Arne Slot at Anfieldplaceholder image
Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid amid calls for him to take over from Arne Slot at Anfield | Getty Images
Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid amid calls for him to take over from Arne Slot at Anfield
Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid after Sunday’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder only joined the Spanish giants in the summer but his departure by mutual consent was announced on Monday afternoon.
Some sections of the Liverpool fanbase have called for the Reds to pursue their former midfielder for the manager position at Anfield, despite Arne Slot still being in a job.
There had been reports from Spain that members of the Real Madrid squad were unhappy with Alonso’s methods and some of the strict rules he had set out for the players to adhere too.
After Alonso was sacked, it was reported by BBC Sport that the Madrid squad had “many disagreements with their manager about tactics and approach over the last few months” and footage that has emerged from the Spanish Super Cup final clearly indicate why Alonso left the La Liga giants.
At the end of the game, Alonso gestured for his players to give a guard of honour to Barcelona. Superstar Kylian Mbappe refused, and signalled his teammates to leave the pitch. Alonso eventually turned away having seen his squad publicly go against him.
There was clearly no coming back from the incident - and Alonso himself was likely to have been infuriated by the level of disrespect.
The ex-Liverpool man had an incredibly-successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen with togetherness and spirit just as important to their success as the style of play. It is something that clearly matters to Alonso - but does not appear to be a big factor for the Madrid squad.
It remains unclear how the Liverpool board feel about making a brave move for Alonso and relieving Arne Slot of his duties. The Dutchman did win the Premier League in his first season at the club but the current campaign has been a tough one for the Reds to contend with.
Alonso can be successful at the right club, of that there is no doubt. He won the Bundesliga title going unbeaten while doing so and also won the German Cup. There was always a fear that if he joined Liverpool then Real Madrid would eventually come calling.
However, with the Spaniard now going to Madrid and leaving already - a move to Liverpool could be exactly what he needs. Whether the club opt to make that move remains to be seen.
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