Real Madrid star tells Liverpool players what to expect if Xabi Alonso replaces Arne Slot
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A Real Madrid star has given some insight into Xabi Alonso's methods, as the former Liverpool midfielder is widely considered the obvious alternative if Arne Slot leavesXabi Alonso has been widely touted as a possible replacement for Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Arne Slot would be under pressure regardless of external factors, but the presence of Xabi Alonso on the list of available managers has thrown the Liverpool boss's future into sharper relief.The continued faltering form is inevitably being viewed through the lens of a viable and impressive alternative waiting in the wings. Real Madrid hit an undoubted high point of the season yesterday under Alvaro Arbeloa (another Liverpool alum), powering past Manchester City 3-0 in the Champions League, and it's fair to wonder why Alonso could not stir up any such performances or results.Thibaut Courtois has been speaking about Alonso's brief reign.
He insists that the players did not get him sacked, but his explanation certainly seems to imply that one of the manager's methods was not universally popular.Xabi Alonso taking Real Madrid training(Image: Oscar J. Indeed, for all of the goalkeeper's protestations, it reflects worst of all on Real Madrid: Alonso prioritized video analysis and a clear tactical plan, and the subtext undoubtedly implies that the Galacticos were neither used to this kind of rigor nor ready to get fully on board.Thibaut Courtois is at pains to stress that the Real Madrid players definitely didn't mind Alonso's long video analysis sessions(Image: Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)However, the Real Madrid star certainly hit on one salient point: dips can happen in football, and they are not always a reflection of the manager.
That's why Liverpool would still be comfortable hiring Alonso, but it's also why it has no plans to get rid of Slot just yet.The million-dollar question is at what point fingers turn toward the manager. With all the analysis in the world, it is impossible to pinpoint for certain.But if Slot does reach that point of no return, and Alonso is chosen in his stead, then Courtois has shown Liverpool what to expect.