Why Liverpool are internally unsure about hiring Xabi Alonso despite Arne Slot struggles

Reports indicate that Liverpool Football Club harbors reservations about appointing Xabi Alonso, the former manager of Bayer Leverkusen and a celebrated ex-player, as a potential replacement for Arne Slot.

Alonso has demonstrated considerable promise in his relatively nascent coaching career. His most notable achievement includes leading Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title, showcasing his tactical acumen and leadership.

While his earlier coaching stints included managing Real Sociedad B, his impressive work with Leverkusen has fueled persistent speculation linking him to Anfield, especially given Arne Slot’s recent difficulties.

However, reports from The Times suggest that Alonso’s preferred tactical setup, featuring a three-at-the-back system, might be a sticking point. This same concern reportedly played a role in Liverpool’s previous consideration of Ruben Amorim for the managerial role.

Is Xabi Alonso the right man for Liverpool?

Although Alonso achieved significant success with his wing-back system at Leverkusen, it’s worth noting that this tactical approach hasn’t historically yielded widespread triumphs in English football. Adopting such a system would necessitate a substantial period of adaptation for Liverpool, a club that has largely maintained a consistent playing style for years and built its squad around that established philosophy.

Nevertheless, Alonso’s managerial record is undeniably strong, and a move to replace Slot this summer could be seen as a shrewd decision following the dramatic decline in form experienced this season…

The coming weeks will reveal if Slot can finish the season robustly and secure his position. The Dutch strategist seemingly bought himself valuable time after guiding the club to the Premier League title in his debut season.

While Alonso might be a favored choice among fans, it’s evident that Liverpool’s internal discussions reveal hesitation. This steadfast adherence by the directors to their established strategy is, in a sense, commendable. Although this approach might lead to occasional performance fluctuations, it generally positions Liverpool for sustained long-term stability and success, rather than succumbing to the temptation of short-term solutions.