Liverpool legend warns against Xabi Alonso appointment as Real Madrid theory dismissed

A Liverpool legend has cautioned the Reds against appointing Xabi Alonso as manager, casting doubt on speculation linking him to the job at Anfield in the near future

Many Liverpool fans want Alonso to replace Slot(Image: Getty)

Steve Nicol has spoken out against the idea of Xabi Alonso taking the managerial reins at Liverpool, dismissing recent speculation linking him to the role.

Many Liverpool supporters are increasingly convinced that Arne Slot’s time at Anfield may be running out following another frustrating draw on Saturday.

The Reds went into the clash with Burnley having drawn their previous three Premier League matches, and a fourth stalemate only deepened concerns over the team’s form. Fans expressed their frustration with boos at full-time, reflecting a growing sense that Slot may be operating on borrowed time.

That sentiment had already been heightened earlier in the week when Alonso was dismissed as Real Madrid manager. The former Reds midfielder had once been linked with a potential move to replace Jurgen Klopp in 2024 before ruling himself out.

With a potential replacement now in the frame, many supporters believe it’s only a matter of time before Slot is dismissed. Nicol, however, advises caution, suggesting the club should carefully evaluate the decision before moving to appoint Alonso.

Speaking to ESPN FC, Nicol argued that Liverpool would be “completely stupid” to overlook the reasons behind Alonso’s sudden departure from Real Madrid. “Xabi Alonso got a group of players and came up with an incredible story [at Bayer Leverkusen], got them together and played some incredible football.

"But when he took over a bunch of superstars he couldn’t handle it. So, why would you give him another big job like Liverpool?” questioned the pundit.

“If I’m picking in the world and Xabi’s one of them I’d certainly be thinking about it. But I’d be completely stupid to look at Real Madrid and say it’s nothing to do with Xabi, it’s Real Madrid. It’s not a straightforward yes or no.”

Nicol believes Liverpool shouldn't replace Slot with Alonso(Image: Getty Images)

Alonso and Los Blancos parted ways on Monday by mutual consent, following a 3-2 Supercopa defeat to Barcelona that ended his seven-month tenure in the Spanish capital. Former Liverpool teammate Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped in as interim manager.

Alonso’s position may have been undermined by tensions with key players: Vinicius Jr sparked doubts earlier in the season after a public fallout, and Kylian Mbappe’s recent act of defiance after the Supercopa appeared to confirm Alonso’s departure.

While Liverpool do have a number of high-profile stars whom Alonso would need to manage carefully, the squad is largely composed of hard-working players who would likely embrace his ethos of intense training.

When Klopp announced his departure in January 2024, Alonso seemed like an ideal candidate for the role, and despite some missteps during his managerial career, that perception largely remains. In any case, Alonso would arguably struggle to perform any worse than Slot, whose team is currently producing some of the most lackluster football seen at Anfield in decades.