When Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid back in January, many questioned what would be next for the Spaniard. Alonso has taken his time deciding what the next steps in his managerial career are and it seems he is set for a return to another one of his former clubs who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season this year.
As being reported by Graeme Bailey of TeamTalk on X, Xabi Alonso fully expects to be back in management next season, with the Spaniard emerging as the front runner to be the next Liverpool manager with pressure ramping up on Arne Slot, who looks on course to be sacked in the summer.
Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso looks set for return to management
The former Real Madrid boss had previously been linked with a return to management after being contacted by Marseille, but Alonso turned down the offer, waiting for a better, more suitable offer from a bigger European team and that's where Liverpool come in. Alonso spent time at Liverpool as a player from 2004-2009, and seems eager for a return to his former club to help turn the ship around at Anfield.
After winning the Premier League last season, things are completely opposite this year. Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 21 points off first place Arsenal. Arne Slot's seat couldn't be hotter following a number of disappointing results, and despite spending almost €500 million this past summer, Liverpool are planning another major rebuild in the summer and Xabi Alonso is a key piece of that rebuild.
Although Alonso's time at Real Madrid didn't go as planned, there's no denying he's still a top manager in world football, and a change of scenery and a fresh start at a new club is exactly what the Spaniard needs to kickstart his managerial career again.
One of the biggest reasons behind Alonso's downfall at Los Blancos was that he was never fully backed by the club, something he wouldn't struggle with at Liverpool. The Premier League side are desperate to bounce back from this disappointing season and will no doubt fully back whoever their next manager is. Xabi Alonso reportedly has had his eyes on bringing Arda Guler to Liverpool should he be appointed as their next manager as he viewed the Turkish international as a big part of his Real Madrid system, and wants him in his Liverpool system as well.