Xabi Alonso is reportedly a leading contender for the Chelsea manager job, and Jamie Carragher has issued a warning to Liverpool about missing out on the Spaniard
08:14, 13 May 2026
Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the top targets for the Chelsea job
Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the top targets for the Chelsea job(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot may currently enjoy the support of Liverpool's hierarchy, but reports linking Xabi Alonso with the Chelsea manager's position have frustrated sections of the fanbase.
Slot has faced considerable criticism this season as Liverpool has labored toward a top-five finish. The Dutchman still retains some goodwill following last season's impressive Premier League title triumph. However, a trophy-less campaign this year, coupled with 11 league defeats to date, has prompted some supporters to demand a change.
Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea provoked an angry response at Anfield, with resounding boos greeting Slot, his coaching staff and players at the final whistle.
READ MORE: Sadio Mane suffers title agony alongside Cristiano Ronaldo after awful errorREAD MORE: Liverpool given fresh VAR verdict as Howard Webb makes Man Utd admission
Liverpool legend Alonso has long featured on many supporters' shortlists should the club pursue a new manager, and today's developments have prompted a club icon to caution the Reds about the danger of losing the Spaniard to their rivals. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has received backing from a Premier League legend following his latest remarks.
Alonso warning
Jamie Carragher has cautioned the Reds that they could regret failing to appoint Xabi Alonso if he joins Chelsea. The Blues dismissed Liam Rosenior in April, just three months into a six-year contract.
Reports suggest Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva, and former Real Madrid boss Alonso are among the frontrunners for the position. Alonso joined Real last summer but left shortly after the new year, and Chelsea could provide him with an opportunity to return to the dugout.
"I always felt Xabi would manage Liverpool at some stage," Carragher remarked. "Now, I think once you manage one of Liverpool's rivals, as Chelsea are, I think it makes it a little bit more difficult.
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)
"I don't see how you go from Chelsea to Liverpool, maybe a bit down the road, but I think it makes it more difficult. But he has to do what's best for him right now, and I think there will be Liverpool supporters right now looking at that situation thinking, 'That's the one we want.'"
During Monday Night Football, the ex-Liverpool defender also suggested Alonso would favor his former club over Chelsea if presented with the choice. "I think he would love to manage Liverpool one day, I'm sure he would, but Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in European football right now," he said.
"There will be a feeling from a lot of Liverpool supporters that Xabi Alonso's there and, if we want him, I think he would come to us because there is history with the club, but it looks like the club have made their decision on Slot.
"What tells you they've made their decision on Slot is that there's talks between Xabi Alonso and Chelsea. If there was an inkling that Liverpool were interested in him or that they were gonna change the manager, I think he would go to Liverpool."
Salah defended
Former Liverpool star Joe Cole reckons Salah was justified in demanding that standards remain high at Anfield following his departure this summer. The winger's remarks were seen by some as a dig at L4's existing culture.
Arne Slot pushed back on the remarks ahead of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Cole told Paddy Power: "Salah is well within his rights to have an opinion on the team. He's been there for so long. Mo's a good guy, I'm sure his comments were coming from a good place to help Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Article continues below
"Sometimes when players say things, it can come from frustration with the manager. Things aren't going well for him on the pitch for the first time in a decade; he's been that good a player. But I think he's correct. It looks like there aren't the same personalities in the team as they once had [to set those standards], and that needs to be addressed in the summer.
"You need to look at this whole season in context of everything that has happened on and off the pitch. From the dreadful Diogo Jota situation, [Alexander] Isak's saga in the summer and his injury, Hugo Ekitike's injury and also Mo Salah's dip in form. They need to start next season by drilling down on the culture and getting back to what Liverpool are as a club."
Salah insisted that Liverpool required individuals who would uphold the club's high standards behind the scenes once he moves on, telling Sky Sports: "I just want to have that standard at the club because it is very, very important for people to keep winning things. This is one of the main concerns for me."