Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer previously tipped one man as the ideal Liverpool manager, and he could be in line to replace Arne Slot
Former England striker and pundit Alan Shearer (L) and Former England striker and sports broadcaster Gary Lineker (R) look on during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Former England striker and pundit Alan Shearer (L) and Former England striker and sports broadcaster Gary Lineker (R) look on during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Saturday night marked another disappointing result for Arne Slot, with the 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth adding to his woes. Whether this loss will determine the Dutchman's future is yet to be seen, but there's no denying the mounting pressure on him.
He clinched the league title last year, a feat that deserves immense praise. However, spending £450million on new recruits only to see performance plummet the following season raises more questions than it answers.
Whether Liverpool will follow in the footsteps of Chelsea and Manchester United by making a mid-season managerial change remains uncertain. But if Slot does depart before the season's end, there's a highly suitable candidate waiting in the wings.
During an episode of The Rest Is Football podcast in late 2023, football legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer identified Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp.
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Two years on, their comments remain as pertinent as ever. Alonso vacated his role as Real Madrid manager in early January after just eight months at the helm and is now open to offers from other clubs.
Shearer commented: "He [Alonso] is getting rave reviews isn't he? He's started his coaching and managerial career really well. It won't be long if he keeps on going before others are starting to look at him if they haven't already and then you never know do you?".
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the Liverpool job before taking on the Real Madrid role(Image: Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Lineker responded: "I think there's every chance that once Carlo Ancelotti walks away or is pushed out as is often the case at Real Madrid, he might end up there as manager of a certain Jude Bellingham. Also, he could possibly follow (Jurgen) Klopp further down the line. With these things, you always do, don't you. There is always going to be (Steven) Gerrard."
Shearer added: "In 12 months time that might all change. But, it does look as though he's going to be around for a long time at the top doesn't he?"
During his playing days, Alonso enjoyed an outstanding career at the highest level, representing Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich. Following retirement, Alonso made his mark in management by transforming Bayer Leverkusen into European powerhouses.
They became the first Bundesliga side to complete an undefeated season, going 51 matches without defeat across all competitions during the 2023/2024 campaign.
Despite landing the dream managerial position at Madrid, things fell apart for him. Alonso lasted just one season in charge and became the 11th manager to survive less than a full campaign under club president Florentino Perez.
With such a collection of big names and egos at Madrid, Alonso struggled to keep them all in check. Vinicius Jr marched straight down the tunnel after being taken off late in El Clasico a few months back, whilst Fede Valverde openly expressed his displeasure at being deployed as a full-back.
Vinicius issued an apology, but to everyone except Alonso. Clearly, there was a rift at Madrid, and now Alonso will be seeking a fresh challenge.
Just five days ago, Spanish outlet Marca reported that Alonso would be stepping away from management to spend several months with his family in San Sebastian. However, it also indicated that if Liverpool come knocking before July, all plans would be off and Alonso would accept the opportunity and begin immediately. "To Liverpool, we all know, he will go soon. Sooner or later," it reads.