Liverpool legend suggests Xabi Alonso alternative to replace Arne Slot

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has proposed an alternative to Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Arne Slot amid growing debate over the club’s future direction

Steve Nicol believes Andoni Iraola could be an alternative to Xabi Alonso(Image: Getty Images)

Steve Nicol has backed Andoni Iraola as a potential candidate to take over at Liverpool next season, should Fenway Sports Group opt against appointing Xabi Alonso.

Despite leading Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, Arne Slot is now under growing scrutiny after a disappointing follow-up campaign. The Reds currently sit 16 points behind leaders Arsenal and have fallen well off the title pace despite significant summer investment, including the arrivals of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

While Alonso had previously been viewed as a leading candidate to eventually replace Slot, recent reports suggest Liverpool may not move for him, opening the door to alternative options as pressure builds on the current head coach. Iraola, who was hired by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes in 2023, will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Nicol has changed his stance on the potential appointment of Alonso at Liverpool, having previously expressed reservations about the Spaniard’s spell at Real Madrid.

However, speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol was asked to choose between Slot, Alonso and Iraola as Liverpool’s manager for next season. He admitted Alonso would still be his preferred option, but added he would have “absolutely no problem” with Iraola taking over at Anfield if the club opted to go in a different direction.

“I like Iraola. I like the way his Bournemouth play the game,” he said. “Under normal circumstances I would’ve said Alonso. But he absolutely bombed at Real Madrid and you have to take that into consideration.

“However, I don’t think that FSG, if Arne Slot is not going to be there at the start of the season, I don’t see how FSG don’t go with Alonso. So, I’m going to go Alonso I think, ultimately. If something happened with Alonso and he didn’t want it, or they weren’t keen with what happened at Real Madrid, I’d have absolutely no problem with Andoni Iraola next season.”

Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol would be happy with Iraola becoming Liverpool's manager(Image: ESPN FC)

Although Alonso would still be viewed as the natural successor if Slot was to leave his role at Liverpool, recent indications suggest he is no longer actively being considered.

If that proves to be the case, then Iraola has strengthened his claim for the job. The Bournemouth boss delivered another statement, securing back-to-back away wins over Arsenal and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

With five matches remaining, Bournemouth sits just four points outside the Champions League places, underlining the scale of its unexpected push

. Iraola’s work over a three-year spell at the Vitality Stadium has earned widespread praise for its consistency and attacking intent, and while a move to Liverpool would represent a significant step up, his relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes and his high-intensity style of play ensure he remains a serious contender should a managerial change arise at Anfield.