Xabi Alonso's former Liverpool teammate claims Reds are keeping eye on him

Liverpool fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Xabi Alonso following his firing from Real Madrid, and one former Red believes the club will be watching closely

Xabi Alonso has been fired as Real Madrid's manager(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on Xabi Alonso following his firing from Real Madrid.

Alonso was relieved of his duties at the Bernabeu after defeat in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. The 44-year-old has been replaced another of his former Liverpool and Madrid teammates, with Alvaro Arbeloa being promoted from the club’s academy.

The decision comes after weeks of speculation over Alonso’s future. Reports had suggested that he was in trouble before the turn of the year, with Real lagging four points behind Barca at the top of La Liga.

His departure from the Spanish capital has already raised speculation over his next steps, with Liverpool rather inevitably featuring heavily.

Alonso was seen as one of the early favorites to take over from Jurgen Klopp two years ago before he ruled himself out of the running. He would go on to spend another season at Bayer Leverkusen before taking on the Real job.

And, although he doesn’t feel Arne Slot is in immediate danger, having steadied the ship after a nightmare couple of months at Anfield, Hamann - who played alongside Alonso for two years at Liverpool - feels the Reds will be keeping a close eye on his former teammate.

Dietmar Hamann believes Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on Xabi Alonso(Image: Getty Images)

"All the big clubs monitor other managers and their situations,” Hamann told JeffBet. “Who would have thought Arne Slot would be under pressure six months after winning the league? Things happen fast in football.

"I think Liverpool, amongst most top clubs in Europe, will be keeping an eye on Xabi Alonso. He was the hottest manager six months ago, but he found himself under huge pressure at Real Madrid recently. I don't think that situation affects Liverpool's situation with Slot, though.”

Alonso has now broken his silence following his dismissal from Madrid, and thanked the club despite his reign lasting less than eight months.

"This chapter of my career has come to an end, and it hasn't gone as we would have liked," he posted on Instagram. "Coaching Real Madrid has been both an honour and a responsibility.

"I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support.

"I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best."