Xabi Alonso has been tipped to eventually take charge of Liverpool despite only recently beginning a new chapter of his managerial career at Chelsea
Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Carabao Cup third round match against Leeds United
Xabi Alonso has been tipped to one day take the Liverpool job despite his current role at Chelsea(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has been tipped to use his current role as a stepping stone to get the Liverpool job by former striker Dean Saunders.
The Reds have been heavily linked with the 44-year-old in recent years, especially amid two managerial changes. After Jurgen Klopp departed in 2024, Alonso was one of the favorites to take charge, but he instead opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool pursued Arne Slot.
Last season, when Slot was struggling and results were suffering, there was a huge clamor among supporters to appoint Alonso, especially because he was sacked by Real Madrid in January, less than eight months after taking on the role.
However, Liverpool didn't opt to part ways with Slot until the end of May. The decision from the Reds' hierarchy came a little under two weeks after Alonso had been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager, and Liverpool went on to bring former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to the club.
Both managers have endured a mixed start to the new campaign. Liverpool has suffered a number of draws in the Premier League but is currently unbeaten across all competitions.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has suffered two defeats, drawn once and won twice in the league this term. The two sides will meet later this month at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while their first league meeting of the campaign is not until early December.
Google Preferred Source Badge
Google Preferred Source Badge
While Alonso's managerial career has so far kept him away from Anfield, Saunders believes the Chelsea role could be a stepping stone for an eventual move to Liverpool. That said, while his short stint at Real Madrid has not tainted his career, failure at Stamford Bridge could limit his chances of ever returning to Merseyside.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Former Bournemouth skipper and Assistant Head Coach turns left towards the home bench before he is reminded that the Liverpool bench is on his right as Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool makes the right decision during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is unbeaten after his first seven games in charge of Liverpool(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
"With Alonso, I thought he did well at Leverkusen," Saunders told Svea Casino. "He went to Madrid, and if you get sacked by Real Madrid, it's not really a slight on your career. Then he took the Chelsea job.
"Whether nobody asked him or they'd already lined up Iraola at Anfield, I'm not sure. But he can't get the Liverpool job if he doesn't do well at Chelsea.
"No disrespect to Chelsea, but managing Liverpool is an upgrade. You're managing one of the best clubs in the world. So if he wants to get the Liverpool job, he's got to do well at Chelsea."
Chelsea returns to action after the international break with a home clash against Bournemouth. Liverpool, on the other hand, faces the small matter of league leader Manchester City at Anfield.