Xabi Alonso gives Liverpool hope for new manager as Chelsea move 'stalling'

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Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso is said to be weighing up a Chelsea manager role, but the former midfielder is reportedly holding out in case a vacancy arises at AnfieldXabi Alonso has been linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Xabi Alonso is said to be hesitant about accepting a position at Chelsea, amid speculation that Liverpool could part company with Arne Slot before the summer is out.The Anfield icon has been touted for a return to Merseyside ever since leaving Real Madrid in January. As Chelsea prepares to appoint a permanent head coach this summer, several names have been thrown into the mix, among them Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Cesc Fabregas.READ MORE: Arne Slot's meetings with Richard Hughes after facing calls to be fired by LiverpoolREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah and Alisson latest as Arne Slot confirms Liverpool injury boostAlonso features on that shortlist too, with a source close to the club telling The i Paper this week that "the job is his if he wants it."Nevertheless, reports suggest Alonso is dragging his feet over the Chelsea role, holding out on the prospect of Liverpool opening the door for him in the months ahead.

While Slot led the Reds to Premier League glory last season in his first campaign following Jurgen Klopp's departure, the 2025-26 season has proved considerably more challenging.As things stand, Liverpool occupies fourth place in the league table, with a Champions League berth potentially offering some consolation from what has otherwise been an underwhelming campaign.Arne Slot is the current Liverpool boss(Image: Getty Images)Despite this, Alonso may face a lengthy wait for a head coaching opportunity on Merseyside to arise; the prevailing view is that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will maintain its backing of Slot for next season.That hasn't stopped the 44-year-old from being repeatedly linked with the club he represented between 2004 and 2009, however. A source has also told The i Paper that he would have "taken the Chelsea job by now if Liverpool was not still in his thinking."Liverpool's progress this season has been hampered by injury setbacks and difficulties in integrating new signings swiftly.

Alexander Isak arrived at the club in a transfer from Newcastle on deadline day, but he required time to build match fitness as his protracted transfer saga prevented him from completing a full pre-season camp.Milos Kerkez also signed from Bournemouth but struggled to make an immediate impact, with Andy Robertson selected in his stead at left-back while he adapted to Slot's tactics and approach.While Florian Wirtz has enjoyed a decent second half of the season, the German attacking midfielder also made minimal impact initially as he grappled with the intensity of the Premier League.On the injury front, Isak was ruled out for several months in December following a leg fracture, while Alisson has been plagued by his own niggling complaints — with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping in to fill the void.Hugo Ekitike's campaign is over and he is not anticipated to return until well into the new season after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in the Champions League last month, while Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are also facing lengthy spells on the sidelines with knee and ankle problems respectively.Giovanni Leoni, meanwhile, has not pulled on the shirt since tearing his ACL on his debut back in September. Liverpool has just two fixtures remaining in the Premier League this season, facing Aston Villa on Friday before welcoming Brentford for the team's final match on May 24.