Liverpool legend suggests Xabi Alonso alternative to replace Arne Slot
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesArne SlotLiverpool legend Steve Nicol has proposed an alternative to Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Arne Slot amid growing debate over the club’s future directionSteve Nicol believes Andoni Iraola could be an alternative to Xabi Alonso(Image: Getty Images)Steve Nicol has backed Andoni Iraola as a potential candidate to take over at Liverpool next season, should Fenway Sports Group opt against appointing Xabi Alonso.Despite leading Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, Arne Slot is now under growing scrutiny after a disappointing follow-up campaign. Iraola, who was hired by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes in 2023, will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.READ MORE: Everton vs Liverpool LIVE updates from Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson StadiumREAD MORE: Premier League explains VAR decision before Mohamed Salah makes history vs EvertonNicol has changed his stance on the potential appointment of Alonso at Liverpool, having previously expressed reservations about the Spaniard’s spell at Real Madrid.However, speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol was asked to choose between Slot, Alonso and Iraola as Liverpool’s manager for next season.
He admitted Alonso would still be his preferred option, but added he would have “absolutely no problem” with Iraola taking over at Anfield if the club opted to go in a different direction.“I like Iraola. But he absolutely bombed at Real Madrid and you have to take that into consideration.“However, I don’t think that FSG, if Arne Slot is not going to be there at the start of the season, I don’t see how FSG don’t go with Alonso.
So, I’m going to go Alonso I think, ultimately. If something happened with Alonso and he didn’t want it, or they weren’t keen with what happened at Real Madrid, I’d have absolutely no problem with Andoni Iraola next season.”Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol would be happy with Iraola becoming Liverpool's manager(Image: ESPN FC)Although Alonso would still be viewed as the natural successor if Slot was to leave his role at Liverpool, recent indications suggest he is no longer actively being considered.If that proves to be the case, then Iraola has strengthened his claim for the job.