If Liverpool succumb to supporter pressure and part ways with Arne Slot in 2026, Xabi Alonso already feels like an inevitable successor.
The Spaniard remains a hero with many fans after his five-year spell with the club in the 2000s and having become available following his sacking at Real Madrid, things look to be falling into place.
However, despite the widely-told narrative that Alonso would have replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024 had he said yes to FSG, he was far from the only manager the Liverpool owners considered.
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What have you made of Slot’s recent press conferences?
The Dutchman is starting to annoy a LOT of people 😱
Arne Slot speaking to the media after Bournemouth v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
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Reports at the time suggested that then Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was very much in the running to take over at Anfield.
De Zerbi has since moved on to Marseille, but after the French side failed to qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, it seems he too could soon be on the market.
Roberto De Zerbi could leave Marseille
Liverpool swatted Marseille aside last week in a game which ramped up pressure on De Zerbi. And after they fell out of the play-off places on Wednesday, French outlet RMC Sport reported that the 46-year-old is in ‘great danger’ of being sacked.
News subsequently emerged that De Zerbi had requested to leave following disagreements with the ownership, something L’Equipe go on to deny.
Roberto De Zerbi during Bayeux FC v Olympique de Marseille - French Cup 2025/2026
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
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Either way, it looks like De Zerbi’s time in Marseille will soon be coming to an end and that could pique the interest of FSG.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes clearly rate the Italian very highly and although his time in Marseille has not gone perfectly, they would still likely consider his candidacy if Slot is relieved of his duties.
His brand of attacking, fast-flowing football would no doubt go down well at Anfield, and his availability may give the Liverpool decision-makers further pause as they consider what to do with Slot.
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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Xabi Alonso or Roberto De Zerbi?
Earlier in the season, the argument had been that Liverpool could not sack Slot as there were no viable alternatives available.
While that may have been true at the time, it is not anymore, with at least two candidates who were considered 18 months ago back on the market.
Chuck in Ruben Amorim, and that makes it three, although the Portuguese rocking up to replace Slot is about as likely as Klopp himself coming back.
In terms of the choice between Alonso and De Zerbi, the latter’s impending availability is unlikely to sway many fans away from their former midfielder.
However, with FSG known to be fans, it could yet put a small fly in the ointment.
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