Mansion Sports – Xabi Alonso is reported to have received “initial contact” from Liverpool, with the Merseyside club beginning to explore the coach’s interest in potentially taking on a managerial role in the future.

The World Cup winner is currently a free agent after his challenging tenure as Real Madrid head coach came to an early end, just seven months after it began.

For the time being, Arne Slot remains in charge of Liverpool at Anfield, although questions are increasingly being raised regarding his future.

Pressure on Slot After Liverpool’s Decline Despite Heavy Spending

The spotlight on Slot has intensified following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, which marked the defending Premier League champions’ seventh loss in what has been considered an unconvincing domestic title defence campaign.

Slot did succeed in guiding Liverpool to the league title in dominant fashion in the previous season after replacing Jurgen Klopp.

However, this season he has struggled to maximise the potential of a squad assembled at a very high cost, with results yet to match record-breaking transfer investments.

Contact with Alonso and the Potential Timing of a Takeover at Anfield

According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool are preparing a contingency plan regarding the head coach position.

It is stated that “initial” contact has been made with Alonso following his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, where he was reportedly involved in less harmonious relationships with several star players such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

Despite only managing Real Madrid for 34 matches, Alonso’s reputation remains high due to his success in winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.

He is also fondly remembered at Anfield from his playing days and was previously asked about the possibility of coaching Liverpool in 2024, when Klopp announced his decision to end his contract.

At that time, Alonso assessed that it was not yet the right moment for him to leave Leverkusen. However, he is now said to be waiting for an attractive offer.

AS reported that the former Spain international, now 44 years old, is enjoying a period of “active rest” and is aware that he would receive a warm welcome if he were to return to Anfield.

Liverpool are reportedly “relying on him for the near future, or for the 2026-27 season”. Alonso and his representatives have opened themselves to communication from England and are said to be determined to one day return to Merseyside.

Slot Responds Calmly to the Threat of Alonso

Liverpool are reported to have “guaranteed” that Slot will see out the current season, with the club not planning to follow the example of domestic rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester United, who have made mid-season managerial changes, as seen with Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim.

Liverpool’s management are seeking to anticipate all possibilities and want to know whether they can rely on Alonso.

Discussions with Alonso’s camp are said to be “positive”, providing “a degree of relief for Liverpool”. Alonso is reportedly ready to respond should an emergency call come at some point.

Meanwhile, Slot has responded calmly to the issue of Alonso potentially threatening his position. Ahead of a Champions League victory over Marseille, he joked when asked whether he had communicated with Alonso.

He stated that it was one of the strangest questions he had ever received, while affirming that he enjoys his job at Liverpool, acknowledging last season’s success and the difficulties faced during the current campaign.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also shared his view on the ongoing rumours.

He described the questions as disrespectful, although he acknowledged that criticism of the team’s and the coach’s performances this season could be justified. He added that Slot has handled the difficult situation well.

Liverpool’s 2025-26 Schedule and Upcoming Challenges

Slot will remain on the touchline when Liverpool return to action against Qarabag on Wednesday, with the aim of securing automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.

In addition, Liverpool remain in contention for the FA Cup during the 2025-26 season.