Ex-Red Claims Xabi Alonso Has 'Desire' to Coach Liverpool as Pressure Mounts on Arne Slot

Real Madrid's shock sacking of Xabi Alonso has reignited speculation about a sensational return to Liverpool, where the former midfielder is now the odds-on favorite to replace under-fire manager Arne Slot.

Alonso, who only took charge at his former club last summer after Carlo Ancelotti's departure to Brazil, was unceremoniously axed on Monday despite winning 24 of 34 games. Real Madrid announced the mutual agreement to part ways, appointing B-team manager Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. Arbeloa, a former Madrid right-back, previously led the Under-19s to a treble in 2022-23 and league success in 2024-25.[1][2]

Liverpool, currently fourth in the Premier League after drawing their last three games before an FA Cup tie against Barnsley, had held talks with Alonso in 2024 as Jurgen Klopp's successor. He chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, but Slot's surprise title win last season has soured this term amid mounting pressure.[1]

Betting odds reflect the buzz: Alonso is now 1/1 with TalkSPORT Bet to become Liverpool's next manager, ahead of Luis Enrique (2/1) and Oliver Glasner (5/1). Sources indicate Liverpool's keen interest could restart if Slot falters, with Alonso enjoying instant fan backing from his Champions League and FA Cup triumphs as a player.[1][2]

An ex-Red has claimed Alonso harbors a "desire" to manage at Anfield, citing recent hints about returning to England. Tottenham are also monitoring, sitting 14th with uncertainty over Thomas Frank after an FA Cup loss to Aston Villa.[1][2]

Alonso's Madrid stint faltered due to midfield issues—he pushed for Martin Zubimendi but was told the squad's "energy" sufficed. Critics note the irony: Madrid needed "a Xabi Alonso" to dictate play amid stars like Vinicius, Mbappé, and Bellingham.[3]

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