The prospect of Xabi Alonso becoming the next Liverpool manager has once again become a talking point this week.
At present, the Merseyside outfit are planning to stick with Slot and do not view any currently available managers as a clear upgrade on the Dutchman.
However, Jamie Carragher still thinks the fact his former teammate is available after leaving Real Madrid ‘does intensify the pressure’ on the current Liverpool coach.
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
Xabi Alonso being on the market has put pressure on Arne Slot
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Carragher was asked if the pressure on Slot is increased because of Alonso.
He responded: “I think that’s fair because of his history at Liverpool and also, he did such a remarkable job at Bayer Leverkusen.
“He’s had a good managerial career so far. We know Real Madrid didn’t go well and he’ll be better for that experience, but him being on the market does intensify the pressure, maybe not from the club but maybe the supporters because they have a love affair with Alonso because of 2005.”
However, despite Alonso’s excellent managerial record, Liverpool do not appear keen on appointing him over Slot.
Arne Slot prior to Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
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Liverpool already tried to appoint Xabi Alonso once
But if those recent reports are true, it does beg the question, why did FSG try to approach their former player back in 2024 when Jurgen Klopp was on his way out?
After he went unbeaten in the Bundesliga in 2023/24 with Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool spoke to Alonso about the role.
He then explained why a move never came to pass, saying: “All these decisions, they need to be thorough. You need to really think about them. And it was more about what I had, not what I’m missing.
“For sure, my bond with Liverpool is there and it’s still there. So there’s no, any kind of issue with that.”
A mistake from the coach? Perhaps, but he is unlikely to be short of suitors this summer, with Manchester City already linked to Alonso earlier this season amid talk about Pep Guardiola’s long-term future.
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