Liverpool have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso, as he is ready to return to management.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Xabi Alonso is ready to return to management, amidst links with Liverpool. The Spanish manager has been without a job since being sacked by Real Madrid at the start of the year, and he could make a return with the Merseyside club ahead of next season.
Alonso did wonders for Bayer Leverkusen, and on the back of it, Los Blancos appointed him as their new boss following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. The team in white had massive expectations from their former midfielder. While he maintained a win rate over 70%, he failed to gain control of the dressing room.
Moreover, the board wasn’t convinced he was the right guy. As a result, Florentino Perez decided to part ways with him six months into his tenure. Even before he joined Real Madrid, he was linked with the Liverpool job and following his departure from Madrid, those rumours have intensified.
Arne Slot did wonders for the Reds in his debut campaign, but he hasn’t been able to back it up in his second season. There is a lot of pressure on the Dutch manager, who is aware that Alonso could be in line to take his job.
While he has been strongly linked, the Spanish manager hasn’t had any direct talks with the Merseyside club just yet. However, there is a clear sense of mutual interest, and Alonso’s five-year spell as a player back in the day certainly makes him a fan favourite.
Xabi Alonso to replace Slot this summer
Meanwhile, Romain Molina has said that Liverpool have identified Alonso as a priority target to replace Arne Slot. The board has long been convinced about his strengths as a manager. They wanted him to replace Jurgen Klopp, but eventually went ahead with Slot.
Now they are looking to bring Alonso back to the club. Molina understands Slot is unlikely to be the Liverpool boss next season. He is under a lot of pressure, and FSG are set to make a call on his future after the end of the season. If he does end up leaving, the former Real Madrid boss seems to be in pole position to take his place, and he has already made it clear that he is ready to return.
