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Liverpool has lost three straight games for the first time since Arne Slot became head coach, and Xabi Alonso has already been identified as his potential successor.
When Jurgen Klopp announced that he'd be leaving Liverpool after nine seasons, fans feared for the future. However, Slot won the Premier League title in his first season as Liverpool head coach and has picked up exactly where Klopp left off.
However, Liverpool has been far from its best this season and lost three straight games heading into the international break. Losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea have placed minimal pressure on Slot, and former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes that Alonso could replace him in the future.
Slot is contracted through 2027, and after a stunning start to life in Liverpool, talks are already underway to extend his deal. The recent dip in form is unprecedented under Slot, and it's expected that he will quickly get Liverpool back firing.
However, that hasn't stopped fans from thinking about the future, and Mendieta believes that Alonso could return to his former club. Alonso is already the head coach of Real Madrid, but Mendieta is sure that the Spaniard will be on Liverpool's list.
"Could Xabi Alonso end up at Liverpool? I'm sure he could because we always see these links with former players and former clubs," Mendieta told OLBG. "I think it's a big advantage that they know the club, the city, the culture.
"I don't think Liverpool were on the table this summer because of the fantastic first season under Arne Slot. Among the potential future coaches for Liverpool. Xabi Alonso will be on that list, for sure."
Alonso is already a well-respected head coach, but he signed a three-year deal with Madrid in May. Alonso left Bayer Leverkusen after three successful seasons, with the 2023-24 campaign the main highlight.
Leverkusen remained unbeaten domestically, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. Alonso narrowly missed a historic treble, as Leverkusen lost the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Alonso was heavily linked with Liverpool after Klopp announced he would be departing the club, but opted to stay with Leverkusen for one more season. Liverpool then hired Slot, and Leverkusen visited Anfield in the Champions League.
Liverpool beat Leverkusen 4-0, in a humbling return to Anfield for Alonso. The former Leverkusen head coach was extremely complimentary of Liverpool after the defeat, and credited Slot for his role.
"I think they are a complete team," Alonso said of Liverpool. "They are able to defend, to score, they have power in both boxes, they can keep clean sheets, and they are able to score with not many chances.
"That is a great strength in the Champions League, especially in the next round. They have this power, but it is still too early to tell. The team has a good balance. The coach is doing great work so far. It’s looking (like) a promising season, but we are still in November."
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