Alex MacQuoid
Anfield Hierarchy Initiates Contact with Xabi Alonso
Liverpool have moved to establish contact with Xabi Alonso as a contingency measure despite current manager Arne Slot remaining in his position. Following a debut season where he secured the Premier League title with only Federico Chiesa as a major addition, Slot has struggled to maintain momentum. After a summer expenditure of £450m facilitated by sporting director Richard Hughes, the expected dominance has failed to materialize.
The Reds currently sit in sixth place, trailing Arsenal in the title race and fighting to secure Champions League qualification. A disastrous run including six defeats in seven matches recently ended with a victory over Newcastle, but the pressure remains visible. While FSG and Hughes publicly back the Dutchman, whose contract runs until 2027, the club is actively monitoring the availability of elite tactical replacements.
Contingency Planning Following Madrid Departure
Xabi Alonso became a free agent after being dismissed by Real Madrid in January. While Manchester City view him as a primary successor to Pep Guardiola, Liverpool have leveraged their historical connection with the former midfielder to initiate early discussions. TEAMtalk reports that these inquiries occurred during a period of intense scrutiny regarding Slot‘s tactical direction.
Alonso is held in such high regard at rivals Liverpool after starring at Anfield during his playing days between 2004-09. Alonso’s camp had been contacted by Liverpool earlier in 2026 at a time when Arne Slot’s future remained a topic of fervent debate.
Critical Fixture Period for Arne Slot
The upcoming schedule represents a decisive moment for the current coaching staff. Liverpool face Manchester City in the Champions League before entering a favorable run of domestic fixtures. To secure his tenure, Slot must navigate competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa for a top-four finish. Any further collapse would likely accelerate the pursuit of Alonso, who remains the preferred candidate should the club decide to pivot. Follow TipsGG for continuous updates on the Anfield managerial situation.