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Xabi Alonso has hinted at the possibility of managing Liverpool in the future, acknowledging his strong ties with his former club and expressing an openness to a Premier League return.
Currently facing scrutiny at Real Madrid just seven months into his tenure at the Bernabeu, Alonso's future could be thrown into sharper relief should they suffer a defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Real have only managed two victories in their last six matches across all competitions, and suffered a home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, leaving Alonso struggling to gain the confidence of a formidable dressing room.
With senior players questioning his methods, Alonso finds himself battling for his future at Madrid, and faced a flurry of questions about the club's struggles during his pre-match press conference ahead of the City clash, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Alonso bid farewell to Liverpool in 2009 but was rumoured to be in the running for the Anfield job when Jurgen Klopp stepped down in 2024, choosing instead to remain with Bayer Leverkusen for another season.
However, with current boss Arne Slot also feeling the heat following a poor run of form, Alonso admitted he would be interested in a Premier League role in the future.
"Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for now this is my place," Alonso stated. "In future, you never know what might happen."
Alonso was also questioned about Mohamed Salah's explosive interview following Liverpool's draw with Leeds on Saturday, in which he claimed the club was "throwing me under the bus" and hinted at a potential January departure.
Salah has been omitted from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan, but Alonso was hesitant to comment on the situation.
"This decision has been made in Liverpool, I'm sure we're missing many details of what is going on. I don't need to say anything about it," he said.
Those enquiries might have provided some respite for Alonso, who endured a grilling about his future and his relationships with both the board and the players.
He was at his most direct when questioned about whether he felt backed by the players, simply responding with a "yes". Regarding his discussions with Real President Florentino Perez and the board, he said: "Communication is constant, we have unity, we are all together in this, I have a good relationship with them."
Alonso repeatedly attempted to redirect the conversation towards Wednesday's Champions League encounter with City, emphasising his concentration on that match and consistently describing it as an "opportunity".
The 44 year old played under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and despite the changes at City this season, he is confident he knows what to expect. "It's Pep's team, he's been at the club for nine years with different stages, different teams," he said.
"This year they have hired different players and important players have left, but they have very recognisable things after all these years."
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