Liverpool flashed Xabi Alonso as Jürgen Klopp’s replacement in 2024. The Spaniard chose to continue his success at Bayer Leverkusen. No one at Liverpool thought anything more about this after Arne Slot led the club towards the Premier League title right from the start. Then came Carlo Ancelotti’s exit at Real Madrid, perfectly timed with Alonso finished with his project and “on the job training” as a new coach. Liverpool fans were happy, Real Madrid fans the same with the choice of Alonso. This was this summer. Six months later, both Slot and Alonso are heading for the inevitable, if the decline continues.
On Saturday, Arne Slot led Liverpool to a tough 3-3 draw against Leeds, this after leading 0-2 until 17 minutes remained of the game. On Sunday, Xabi Alonso led Real Madrid to a 0-2 loss against Celta Vigo in front of his own supporters. Liverpool are unrecognisable, 10 points behind Arsenal after 15 games and a football-tragic 1-4 loss to PSV at Anfield. Real Madrid are already five points behind Barcelona in La Liga and don’t seem to have what it takes to take three points against the “minuputt” in the league.
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Both Slot and Alonso are asked if they “fear the sacking”, both coaches dodge the question. At Liverpool, the “King of Anfield” Salah slung messages over the weekend suggesting that his relationship with coach Slot is at a freezing point, at Alonso, the Spanish media has since the summer brought reports of players who are strongly dissatisfied with Alonso’s football and leadership style.
Both coaches still have the confidence of the club management. Both know that this can turn around in a few games, or if the opportunity “for something better” arises.
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To us, it seems like both Slot and Alonso are simultaneously heading for the kick. For Liverpool, this could absurdly provide the opportunity to replace Slot with their first choice in 2024, Xabi Alonso. If Alonso is “freed” by Real, the road is shorter to “release” Arne Slot if the disgrace continues. Liverpool will replace Klopp with a manager who delivers in the long run, not limited to a single season.
