Arne Slot’s future has been called into question during the 2025/26 season amid a worrying decline from Liverpool.
Back in 2025, when the Reds were in the middle of a run of nine defeats from 12 in all competitions, fans were asking for Oliver Glanser to take over.
Steven Gerrard becoming interim manager for the remainder of 2025/26 has also been mooted.
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Meanwhile, amid his Real Madrid exit earlier this month, it has been reported that Xabi Alonso has responded positively to Liverpool interest.
It is thought that Alonso is the Reds’ main target should they decide to get rid of the Dutchman, and Frank Lampard has now shared his thoughts on the Spaniard.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Frank Lampard praises Liverpool-linked Xabi Alonso
His Real Madrid spell was brief and ended badly, but the ex-midfielder still enjoyed much success in Germany, winning the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich with Bayer Leverkusen.
Now, speaking to One on One from Sky Sports, Lampard was quick to praise Alonso.
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He mentioned how he was the best coach in the world six months ago, and said suggestions that he is not that good because he is now out of a job are ‘nonsense’.
Lampard stated: “And reaction in the modern day is so harsh.
“Xabi Alonso was the best coach in the world six months ago. And now he’s out of his job, so he can’t be any good. That’s nonsense.
“There’s good coaches doing good work, sometimes good work. It maybe doesn’t come through in results. And in this modern world, we’re very quick to make changes and all those things.
“So that is an unfortunate part. We’re privileged to do this job. But that comes with the territory.”
How would you feel if Slot sent this XI out against Qarabag?
Four changes from Saturday…
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Qarabag
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Qarabag
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Xabi Alonso’s managerial record
The Spaniard’s time in his home country may not have worked out how he hoped it would, but his record as a coach is undeniable.
Across his time at Real Madrid and Leverkusen, Alonso has taken charge of 174 matches across all competitions.
He has won a staggering 113 of those games, drawn 36 and tasted defeat on just 25 occasions.
The former Liverpool man also averages over 2.1 goals per game and over 2.1 points per match.
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