Image Credits: Imago Images
Xabi Alonso has been linked with a return to Liverpool if head coach Arne Slot were to be sacked. The former Reds midfielder is currently out of work following his dismissal from Real Madrid last week.
Alonso had previously been considered an ideal successor to Jurgen Klopp before he chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won their first-ever Bundesliga title, before moving to Real Madrid 12 months later.
His return to Spain proved difficult, with his tenure ending after a Super Cup defeat to rivals Barcelona. Slot faces renewed pressure despite Liverpool’s 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
The Reds’ recent performances have been uninspiring, culminating in frustration from fans after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley at Anfield.
Slot has already come under scrutiny following Liverpool’s faltering title defence, while his public spat with star forward Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian was left on the bench for December’s 3-3 draw at Leeds split the fanbase.
There is currently no suggestion that Liverpool are considering Slot’s position, with the manager having led the Reds to their second top-flight title in over 30 years last May.
However, speculation is growing as Liverpool face a crucial run of fixtures across the league, domestic cups, and Champions League.
Addressing the rumours linking Xabi Alonso to Liverpool, Slot said: “He called me saying he will take over six months! No, no, no… One of the weirdest questions I’ve ever got.
“What is there to say? I am working here for 18 months, and I like my work here. Won the league, struggled more this season, that is obvious.
“The boos…no maybe I heard a few but it wasn’t a lot, but that is also normal that when you draw v Burnley, no one is happy with that. But when the people went home, the emotions calmed down, maybe they thought [it was too much].”
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