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Liverpool could have a managerial decision to make if results don’t improve over the coming weeks and months
Liverpool turned to Arne Slot in 2024 as their replacement for Jurgen Klopp. Prior to his move to England, he caught the eye in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord. He adapted well to life in England and won the Premier League title in his first year.
Danny Murphy has say on potential Xabi Alonso appointment at Liverpool
Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy believes Xabi Alonso would be a ‘really exciting’ appointment for his ex-club. He has recently left Real Madrid so is available. Murphy has said, as per Spreadex Sports: “I think there's definitely a great relationship with Liverpool and Alonso and there's something really exciting and appealing about him coming into Liverpool.
“He did a great job at Leverkusen and I don't think that should be guiding the hierarchy's train of thought though. I think Slot deserves and has earned the right to at least see out this season after what he did last season and I think he's got the opportunity to still have a really successful season, irrelevant of whether Alonso's available or not.”
He added: “I mean football is about timing, there is opportunity sometimes that clubs think they can't miss out on. I get all that. I don't think the hierarchy in Liverpool is gung-ho that way. I think they'll give him the opportunity and then probably if the season ends up trophy-less and the fans are still at the same point they are now, then they'd look at who's next best to come in maybe.
“I don't see Alonso taking a job in January that means he wouldn't be available in the summer. I can't see that because I think he's well sought after. I think he knows there's certain jobs he'd like more than others. I don't see it being a risk for Liverpool keeping Slot in charge.”
Would Xabi Alonso suit Liverpool?
Alonso knows Liverpool already and was a hit during his playing days there. He spent five years of his career with the Reds and made 210 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 19 goals. The Spaniard, who made 114 caps for his country, also had spells at Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before hanging up his boots in 2017.
He has since delved into the managerial world and started out as the B team coach at Sociedad. The Tolosa-born man then landed the Bayer Leverkusen job in 2022 and guided them to the Bundesliga title against the odds ahead of Bayern in 2024, as well as the DFB-Pokal in the same year. They also reached the Europa League final but lost to Atalanta.
Alonso became Real Madrid’s head coach last summer. However, things didn’t go to plan for him with the La Liga giants. He cut ties with them earlier this month and is now weighing up his next move.
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