Liverpool's hierarchy is facing a familiar and potentially perilous dilemma following the sudden availability of former midfield icon Xabi Alonso, with warnings emerging that the club must avoid the same nostalgia trap that has ensnared rivals Manchester United.
Slot's rollercoaster reign and Alonso's sudden exit
Arne Slot has steadied the ship at Anfield after a turbulent autumn, guiding the team to an unbeaten run of 11 games in all competitions and back into the Premier League's top four. This recovery comes after a dire spell of just one league win in seven matches threatened to derail their title defence and Slot's own position, despite his fairytale first season that delivered the club's second Premier League crown.
The Dutchman's job security, however, faces fresh scrutiny after Xabi Alonso's dismissal from Real Madrid on Monday, January 13, 2026. The Spaniard's tenure at the Bernabéu lasted a mere seven months, ending after a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, despite Real sitting second in La Liga and remaining in the Champions League.
The allure and risk of a romantic return
Alonso's impressive, unbeaten Bundesliga title win with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 made him Liverpool's prime target to succeed Jürgen Klopp. He declined then, but his sudden availability has reignited speculation. Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman highlighted Alonso's previous contract clause allowing talks with former clubs, stating: "There must be a desire for him, in his mind, that he would like to manage here."
Yet, the move is fraught with risk. While the Anfield role lacks the extreme pressure of Real Madrid, Alonso's short, failed stint in Spain raises questions about his readiness for Europe's very top jobs. Furthermore, Liverpool's squad, despite heavy summer investment, remains a work in progress, particularly in defence. Ibrahima Konaté is set to depart in the summer, while Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez enter the final year of their contracts.
A cautionary tale from Manchester
The most potent warning for Liverpool comes from their arch-rivals. Manchester United's apparent cycle of appointing former players, with Michael Carrick now poised to replace the sacked Rúben Amorim as interim boss, illustrates the dangers of nostalgia. Carrick was let go by Middlesbrough after failing to secure Championship promotion.
Parallels exist with Frank Lampard's premature appointment at Chelsea and the overwhelming pressure on Steven Gerrard's managerial career, which has seen him fade from contention for the Liverpool job. The article argues that while Alonso's CV outstrips Carrick's, his emotional ties to Merseyside should not be the sole reason for a rushed appointment.
Liverpool may only get one chance to appoint Alonso. After his Madrid experience, and at this nascent stage of his coaching journey, the club must decide whether to let the heart rule or make a cold, calculated decision about who is truly best to lead them forward.
