5 hours ago
3
Real Madrid could fire Xabi Alonso after just seven months, and securing a victory against Manchester City is imperative if he wants to retain his status as head coach.
Madrid was stunned at home on Sunday, losing 2-0 to Celta Vigo and falling four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings. Although Madrid has won 11 of 16 league games and four of five in the Champions League, Alonso is reportedly under severe pressure to improve the team's results according to Marca.
Another head coach under the spotlight is Arne Slot, as Liverpool's poor form continued away to Leeds United on Saturday, with the team settling for a 3-3 draw despite leading 2-0 in the second half. Slot has also been questioned by Mohamed Salah, who gave a damning postgame interview after being left on the bench.
Liverpool is ninth in the Premier League standings, and since making a flawless start to the season, winning the first seven games in all competitions, the team has struggled. Slot reportedly has the backing of the Liverpool board despite the rough patch, but Salah claimed he has no relationship with the Dutch coach.
Salah, who delighted fans when agreeing to a two-year contract extension last season, has been benched by Slot in three straight games. The Egyptian has barely missed a game for Liverpool since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, and Salah has now confirmed rumors of a rift behind the scenes.
Although Slot has full backing, an unsettled Salah has put a serious strain on the club, as it's unlikely that both can continue without change. Liverpool does not want to lose Salah, or for his tenure to end this way, but changing head coach would also be a risky move.
However, if Madrid loses against Man City on Wednesday in the Champions League, Alonso could be relieved of his duties. Alonso, a former Liverpool player, was a top candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp before the club hired Slot.
When Liverpool approached Alonso in 2024, the Spaniard opted to stay in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen for another season. Alonso then agreed to become Madrid's head coach in 2025, signing a three-year contract with the La Liga giants.
Liverpool is invested in Slot, but although some fans have called for him to be fired, the lack of available coaches was a concern. If Madrid does part ways with Alonso, the Spaniard would be a natural fit for Liverpool.
It remains to be seen how Salah's role will be impacted after his devastating interview, in which he claimed that he has been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool. The Egyptian alleged that he's been used as a scapegoat for the club's poor form, despite playing just 45 minutes across Liverpool's last three Premier League games.
Although Salah's form has dipped this season, he was given assurances about his role when he agreed to an extension last season. "I got a lot of promises in the summer, and so far I am on the bench for three games, so I can’t say they keep the promise," he added.
"I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone, but I earned my position. It’s football. It is what it is."
Salah also hinted that he may not be a Liverpool player after the Africa Cup of Nations, with his return from the competition coinciding with the January transfer window. Salah believes that Slot doesn't want him at the club, and their relationship has gone from being strong to non-existent.
English (US) ·