Communication lines between Liverpool and Real Madrid appear to be buzzing, but this time it’s not about player transfers—it’s the intriguing case of Xabi Alonso.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the Reds have contacted Real Madrid to gather information about the Spanish tactician and understand the background of his brief, disappointing tenure as head coach at the Bernabéu.
At Anfield, the hierarchy wants to know exactly why the former midfield maestro failed so dramatically in Madrid before entrusting him with the legacy of Arne Slot. Things are precarious along the Mersey.
After a disastrous season in which Liverpool faces a grim outlook despite spending over €400 million, Slot’s era appears numbered. For some time, Alonso has been widely regarded as the top candidate to take over the LFC hot seat.
Arne Slot is under mounting pressure at Liverpool.
Slot is contracted to Liverpool until 2027. Following a stellar debut campaign where he comfortably guided the Reds to the Premier League title, this season has been a stark contrast.
The team was knocked out early from all three cup competitions (Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup), and in the league they are out of the title race. Sitting in fourth place, trailing leaders Arsenal by 20 points, Liverpool still hold a relatively safe four-point cushion for Champions League qualification.
However, in recent weeks and months, heavy criticism has rained down on Slot and his playing style. English media have reported that the club is at least considering a change in the managerial position.
Alonso and the Real Madrid Dressing Room Divide
According to multiple media reports, Alonso deeply divided the Real Madrid dressing room. The situation had been deteriorating gradually since last October, when several key players, including Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde, began to openly express their dissatisfaction with Alonso’s methods, which included intense tactical sessions and video analysis.
Nevertheless, there was also a group that adapted well to Alonso’s measures and supported his approach of radically changing the system and style of play. For them, the constant complaints—especially from Vinicius—were merely an excuse, as the Brazilian’s status under Alonso was no longer the same as it had been under predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.
The lack of respect from a group of players toward Alonso was reportedly so severe that some players even pretended to sleep during tactical meetings and chatted during Alonso’s presentations. This not only caused deep irritation among Alonso’s supporters in the squad but also led to an outburst from the out-of-work coach. “I didn’t know I had come to a kindergarten,” Alonso was said to have shouted in disbelief at one point.