Gary Lineker previously tipped former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as the ideal successor for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with pressure growing on current boss Arne Slot
Dylan James
17:03, 25 Jan 2026
Gary Lineker once predicted Xabi Alonso would become Liverpool's manager
Gary Lineker once predicted Xabi Alonso would become Liverpool's manager(Image: Getty Images)
Saturday brought yet another deflating outcome for Arne Slot, as the 3-2 reverse against Bournemouth compounded his troubles.
Whether this setback will seal the Dutchman's fate remains to be determined, but the escalating pressure upon him is undeniable. Slot secured the league crown last year, an achievement that warrants tremendous credit. Nevertheless, investing more than $500 million in fresh talent, only to witness standards drop dramatically the subsequent campaign, poses more queries than solutions.
Whether Liverpool will emulate Chelsea and Manchester United by implementing a mid-season coaching change remains unclear. However, should Slot exit before the campaign concludes, there's an exceptionally qualified candidate available.
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During a segment of The Rest Is Football podcast in late 2023, soccer icons Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer pinpointed Xabi Alonso as a prospective replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Two years later, their observations remain as relevant as before. Alonso departed his position as Real Madrid boss in early January following merely eight months in charge and is presently considering proposals from alternative clubs.
Shearer said: "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 was heavily linked with the Liverpool job before taking on the Real Madrid role
Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the Liverpool job before taking on the Real Madrid role(Image: Getty Images)
Lineker replied: "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 continued: "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?"
Throughout his playing career, Alonso enjoyed tremendous success at the elite level, turning out for Liverpool, Madrid, and Bayern Munich. After hanging up his boots, Alonso established himself in management by turning Bayer Leverkusen into a European force.
The club became the first Bundesliga outfit to go through an entire domestic season unbeaten, stringing together 51 matches without loss across all competitions during the 2023-24 term.
Despite securing the coveted managerial role at Madrid, matters unravelled for him. Alonso endured just a single season at the helm and joined the list as the 11th manager to last less than a full campaign under club president Florentino Perez.
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Managing such an array of high-profile personalities and sizeable egos at Madrid proved challenging for Alonso. Vinicius Jr. walked straight off the pitch after being substituted late in El Clasico several months ago, while Fede Valverde publicly voiced his frustration at being used as a full-back.
Vinicius later apologized, though notably not to Alonso. It was evident there were tensions in Madrid, and Alonso is now looking for a new opportunity.
Reports in Spain are now linking Alonso with the Anfield job, claiming that the Merseyside club has already contacted the manager.