Liverpool manager Arne Slot hit back at questions about Xabi Alonso potentially replacing him at Anfield after the former Reds midfielder and managerial target was sacked by Real Madrid
Arne Slot has hit back at speculation suggesting Xabi Alonso could be poised to take over from him at Liverpool following the Premier League champions’ underwhelming campaign.
The Dutch manager steered Liverpool to glory in his debut season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp, but Slot and his squad have encountered greater challenges this term, with some fans voicing their displeasure after the team’s failure to overcome relegation-threatened Burnley at the weekend.
Alonso was strongly tipped for the Anfield hot seat when Klopp revealed his departure plans in summer 2024, only for the Spaniard to remain at Bayer Leverkusen. He subsequently moved to Real Madrid the following summer but was sacked last week after fewer than seven months at the helm of the Spanish powerhouse.
His sudden availability has sparked rumours he could make the switch to Anfield – a topic raised with Slot during his pre-match press briefing ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League encounter with Marseille.
“He called me saying he will take over six months! No, no, no,” Slot responded. “One of the weirdest questions I’ve ever got. What is there to say?
“I am working here for 18 months and I like my work here. Won the league, struggled more this season, that is obvious. The boos…no maybe I heard a few but it wasn’t a lot but that is also normal that when you draw v Burnley, no-one is happy with that.
“But when the people went home, the emotions calmed down maybe they thought [it was too much].”
Alonso’s final match in charge of the Spanish giants came in the Spanish Super Cup final, where they were defeated 3-2 by Barcelona. Madrid are also four points behind their Catalan rivals at the top of La Liga.
The Spaniard’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu has been marred by clashes with several key players, including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Endrick.
He was also involved in an embarrassing moment with Kylian Mbappe following the final defeat when the French superstar appeared to undermine his manager.
Alonso appeared to want his players to give Barcelona a guard of honour during their trophy presentation, but no Madrid player followed him and Mbappe seemingly waved the Spaniard away.
It’s been reported that Alonso was ‘very unhappy’ with Mbappe’s behaviour, feeling the incident was a direct threat to his authority.
However, Mbappe showed no signs of a feud as he posted a farewell message to Alonso on social media. “It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe wrote. “Thank you for giving me the confidence since day one.
“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”