Liverpool fans are hoping for a change in manager this year with Xabi Alonso being tipped to replace Arne Slot at the helm.
Alonso had been the popular choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but having decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, the Spaniard then moved on to Real Madrid one year later.
Things did not go so well for Alonso at the Bernabeu, however, and only seven months after taking the job he was fired.
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Surely Arne Slot is living on borrowed time, when will Liverpool pull the trigger?
No wins against newly-promoted Premier League sides for the first time ever…
Arne Slot reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Oli Scarf/AFP)
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Oli Scarf/AFP
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Now back on the market, and with Slot struggling to get Liverpool going, supporters think it is only a matter of time before their former No. 14 returns in the dugout.
After Liverpool continued their apathetic form with a drab 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday, some fans had anticipated that a change could be made sooner rather than later. But according to a new report from The Times, they may have to wait a little while longer, with Alonso keen to take a break.
Xabi Alonso wants a short break from management
Liverpool fans are growing increasingly frustrated at the dull, risk-averse football being played under Slot. Although the FA Cup and Champions League are still technically up for grabs, it feels like the season is going nowhere.
For many, a change in manager is the only way to keep any dreams of silverware alive, but with Alonso the clear candidate, nothing seems likely to happen until the end of the campaign.
Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot embrace after Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield.
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
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READ MORE: How Liverpool now feel about sacking Arne Slot after seeing Xabi Alonso become available
The Times encouragingly claim that Alonso is understood to be keen on taking a first managerial job in the Premier League following his sacking at Real Madrid.
However, the 44-year-old is reportedly planning on taking a break after his stint in the Spanish capital, and will only consider offers beginning in June.
With several attractive Premier League positions potentially up for grabs, Alonso could have his pick from several jobs, including at former club Liverpool.
Who would you like to see become Liverpool’s interim manager IF Slot is let go?
Steven Gerrard during Al-Shabab v Al-Ettifaq: Saudi Pro League
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What does this mean for Liverpool?
The likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and, of course, Liverpool could all be looking for a new manager to take charge next season. Manchester United have already been added to that list, but it feels unlikely that Alonso would consider a move to Old Trafford.
From the Reds’ point of view, Alonso’s plan to take a break makes the picture a whole lot clearer.
Liverpool do not like to make managerial changes mid-season if they can at all help it, and unless things took a dreadfully bad turn under Slot, it has always felt likely that their preference was to keep this tradition going.
Given Liverpool supporters have begun to boo the team, the writing does feel like it is on the wall for the Dutchman, though. It seems probable that the Reds are hoping to limp through to the end of the season before making a change.
Alonso’s timing could be perfect in that regard, and it appears that things could finally be lining up for him to make a long-awaited return to Anfield. City may be ones to watch, but unless there’s a dramatic turnaround for Slot, we think a change could be coming in June.
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