Despite the obvious connection, Liverpool do not appear interested in replacing Arne Slot with Xabi Alonso.
Alonso’s managerial record is impressive, but a report this week has said the Reds do not think there are any available managers better than Slot, Alonso being one of them after he left his role with Real Madrid at the beginning of 2026.
However, based on Florian Wirtz’s previous high praise for the Spaniard at various points over the years, Liverpool should reconsider their stance on the ex-midfielder.
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
Florian Wirtz thinks that Xabi Alonso ‘knows exactly what makes a team tick’
It’s fair to say that under Slot, especially in the 2025/26 season, there is no real style and players, as was so clear against Galatasaray, often look pretty lost on the pitch.
That does not seem to be an issue under teams coached by Alonso, however, as Wirtz found out during their time at Bayer Leverkusen.
During their Bundesliga-winning campaign of 2023/24, in which they did not lose a single game, the 22-year-old scored 11 and assisted 12 in 32 matches.
Wirtz waxed lyrical about Alonso in that season, explaining what a top coach he is, as per Buli News.
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He said at the time: “I feel extremely valued under him. I feel the trust. That’s really important, especially as a young player. He gives me a lot of freedom on the pitch and always has a tip on what I can do better.
“He played at the very highest level as a professional. It’s great to have such a legend as a coach. Xabi knows exactly what makes a team tick.”
Does Slot give the same trust to his Liverpool players this season? Well, it certainly doesn’t feel like that in some cases, especially when it comes to the likes of Mohamed Salah, who has been penned into a wider role that is clearly impacting his form.
What Xabi Alonso said about Florian Wirtz
The praise from Wirtz has been reciprocated by Alonso as well, who knew months ago that the midfielder would be a success at Liverpool.
Speaking in November 2025, he said: “Yes, for sure [Wirtz will be a success].
“I have no doubts. It is just a matter of time. For sure it is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he’s been there all his life. And a few years in Leverkusen.
“He needs to adapt but he is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he’s competitive, so when he makes that trick, it has happened with great players in the Premier League before and I’ve no doubts with Flo.”
How many goal contributions will Florian Wirtz end 25/26 with? He’s predicting some ‘crazy’ numbers!
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso praise for Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool appointing Alonso would also see a reunion with right-wing-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman scored nine and assisted nine in 31 league matches when they won the Bundesliga together, and has previously been called a ‘key player’ by his former manager.
Commenting on the defender in May 2024, as per Buli News, he said: “Since I got here for the first time, since the first day, Jeremie has been a key player for us and for myself.
“He’s a great guy, His personality… he brings a lot of joy to the locker room. So you need to keep him having this joy. But as well as become more mature.”
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