Watch out, Arne! Xabi’s phone is ringing

Liverpool have reportedly made a “first call” to Xabi Alonso, gauging his interest in a potential managerial return to Merseyside. The World Cup-winning Spaniard is currently available after a challenging tenure at Real Madrid ended after just seven months. Arne Slot remains in charge at Anfield for now, but his future is increasingly under scrutiny — especially following a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, which marked Liverpool’s seventh loss in a lackluster Premier League title defense.

Slot led the Reds to the league crown in emphatic fashion last season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp, yet this campaign has exposed difficulties in maximizing the potential of a squad built with record-breaking transfer investment.

Spanish outlet AS reports that Liverpool are preparing contingency plans for the head coach position and that “first” contact has already been made with Alonso, who left the Bernabeu under challenging circumstances, reportedly strained by interactions with players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

Though his Madrid stint lasted only 34 matches, Alonso’s reputation remains strong thanks to his Bundesliga success with Bayer Leverkusen. He is fondly remembered at Anfield from his playing days and was previously asked about taking over at Liverpool in 2024 when Klopp announced his departure.

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Alonso felt it “wasn't the right time to leave” Leverkusen then, but is now open to attractive managerial opportunities. AS notes that the 44-year-old former Spain international is currently on “active rest” and “knows he'll be welcomed back to Anfield.”

Liverpool are said to be “counting on him for the near future, or for the 2026-27 season,” with Alonso and his representatives open to contact from England. He is reportedly “determined” to make a return to Merseyside at some stage.

Slot, however, has downplayed the idea that Alonso threatens his position. Ahead of a Champions League clash with Marseille, he joked when asked about speaking to the Spaniard: “Yes he called me and said: 'What do you think about the team because I am going to take over in six months, can you tell me a little bit more?’ Or maybe earlier. Maybe he takes over tomorrow! No, no, no. This is one of the weirdest questions I ever got. What is there it say? I am working here for a little bit more than one and a half years and I really like my work over here. We won the league last season, struggled more in the league this season. That is also obvious, so yes what is there left to say?”

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Slot will continue to lead Liverpool when they return to action against Qarabag on Wednesday as they aim to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, and the Reds remain contenders for FA Cup glory in 2025-26.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 23

Saturday

West Ham - Sunderland 3-1 (3-0)

/Summerville 14, Bowen 28 pen, Fernandes 43 - Brobbey 66/

Burnley - Tottenham 2-2 (1-1)

/Tuanzebe 45, Foster 76 - Van de Ven 38, Romero 90/

Fulham - Brighton 2-1 (0-1)

/Chukwueze 72, Wilson 90+2 - Ayari 28/

Man. City - Wolverhampton 2-0 (2-0)

/Marmoush 6, Semenyo 45+2/

Bournemouth - Liverpool 3-2 (2-1)

/Evanilson 26, Jimenez 33, Adli 90+5 - Van Dijk 45, Szoboszlai 80/

Sunday

17.00: (1.88) Brentford (3.50) Nott.Forest (4.30)

17.00: (3.60) Crystal Palace (3.80) Chelsea (2.05)

17.00: (2.05) Newcastle (3.75) Aston Villa (3.65)

19.30: (1.60) Arsenal (4.30) Man.Utd. (5.75)

Monday

23.00: (2.55) Everton (3.25) Leeds (3.10)

***odds are subject to change***