Liverpool are hesitant about choosing Xabi Alonso, fearing the former Real Madrid manager might be similar to Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, so they'd rather put their faith in Arne Slot.
Amid Liverpool 's inconsistent form this season, Xabi Alonso, who is currently unemployed after being sacked by Real Madrid in January, is rumored to be replacing Arne Slot at the end of the season.
It's also worth mentioning that Xabi once refused to return to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp in 2024, choosing instead to stay at Leverkusen for another season before joining Real Madrid.
However, the 44-year-old manager was sacked by the La Liga giants in January, following a defeat to Barca in the Spanish Super Cup, in addition to disagreements with President Florentino Perez and Kylian Mbappe.
Liverpool then chose Arne Slot to replace Klopp, and the Dutch manager led Liverpool to win the Premier League in his first season at Anfield.
However, Slot is currently under pressure to improve on Liverpool's results and form – they are currently 5th in the Premier League and only one point ahead of Chelsea after 31 games played.
And with Xabi Alonso currently available and reportedly ready to become Liverpool's new head coach, Arne Slot's position seems increasingly precarious.
However, according to The Times, that's not entirely true, and there are different opinions within Liverpool regarding Xabi Alonso.
According to this source, despite the risk of Liverpool falling out of the top 5 in the Premier League, which would cause them to miss out on Champions League qualification next season, "Arne Slot still has prestige" with the club's leadership, thanks to last season's championship title.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards – who decide on the 'hot seat' at Anfield – are said to have similar concerns about Xabi Alonso as they did with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, along with a preference for a three-defender formation.
“ That’s one of the reasons Liverpool aren’t pursuing Ruben Amorim ” when looking for a replacement for Klopp, raising doubts about the possibility of Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield.
Liverpool will need to sign at least two new defenders to play with a three-man defense. Liverpool fans are used to the team's high-intensity attacking style, and playing with three defenders makes Xabi's return even less likely.