Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid was always likely to spark debate among Liverpool supporters, with some quick to suggest the former Reds midfielder as a potential successor to Arne Slot.
Curiously, it involves another ex-Liverpool star from the 2000s has replaced him. Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced Alosno in the Madrid dugout.
That idea has been firmly pushed back by Simon Jordan, who has once again come out strongly in defence of Slot and his work at Anfield. Jordan has consistently backed the Dutchman, previously rejecting claims that Liverpool’s title success owed more to Jürgen Klopp than to Slot himself.
With Alonso now being linked to top managerial vacancies, Jordan has doubled down on his belief that Liverpool do not need to be looking elsewhere.
Bring Xabi Alonso home, @LFC. pic.twitter.com/3MzYTbAji3
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) January 12, 2026
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday, Jordan said: “You look at it and go, where does he go? Liverpool if Slot fails, but Slot’s not going to fail. Slot’s had a great first season.
“He’s having a little bit of a sabbatical in his second season like Jürgen Klopp did when he won the Premier League and people still idolise him. So give Slot a little bit of latitude here.”
Xabi Alonso ties to Liverpool likely to end Man Utd rumours
While Alonso’s future continues to dominate the managerial rumour mill, attention has also turned to Manchester United, who are searching for a new head coach.
However, Jeff Stelling believes Liverpool’s connection with Alonso should prevent any move to Old Trafford.
Xabi Alonso warming up with Liverpool in 2008
Despite the January transfer window being open, it is the manager market that has dominated headlines across Europe in recent weeks, with several high-profile changes already taking place.
Appearing on talkSPORT, Stelling said: “In terms of Xabi Alonso, because of his Liverpool links, I don’t see him ever going to Manchester United as manager.
“And I don’t necessarily see Old Trafford fans accept him either. Especially if they lost two or three under him.”
Slot is under pressure and needs to maintain Liverpool’s positive form to remain in charge of the Reds.
Links to Alonso are natural given his Real Madrid departure and Slot’s position. Recent reports have suggested that a serious internal rift has emerged between Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.