Bournemouth Defeat Triggers Change? Liverpool Contact Xabi Alonso After Seventh League Loss

‎Liverpool have reportedly initiated their first approach to Xabi Alonso as they explore long-term options for the head coach position, with uncertainty continuing to surround Arne Slot’s future at Anfield. The former World Cup winner is currently unattached after his brief and difficult spell in charge of Real Madrid ended after just seven months.

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‎Liverpool reportedly make first contact with Xabi Alonso as questions grow over Arne Slot’s future following poor domestic form and Bournemouth defeat.

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‎Slot remains in charge for now, but scrutiny has intensified after Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth. That loss marked the reigning Premier League champions’ seventh setback in a disappointing title defence.

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‎The Dutchman enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign after replacing Jurgen Klopp, guiding the Reds to the league title in emphatic fashion. However, this season has been far more challenging, with an expensively built squad failing to deliver consistent returns despite record spending in the transfer market.

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‎Spanish outlet AS reports that Liverpool have begun planning for possible change and have already made “first” contact with Alonso. The Spaniard left Real Madrid after 34 matches, with claims that his time at the Bernabeu was complicated by strained relationships with players such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

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‎Despite that short tenure, Alonso’s reputation remains strong following his Bundesliga title triumph with Bayer Leverkusen. He remains a popular figure at Anfield from his playing days and was previously linked with the job in 2024 when Klopp announced his departure.

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‎At the time, Alonso insisted it was “not the right moment” to leave Leverkusen. Now, however, he is understood to be open to offers while enjoying what AS describes as “active rest”, confident that he would be welcomed back to Merseyside.

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‎Liverpool are said to be targeting him either in the near future or for the 2026-27 season. The 44-year-old and his representatives are receptive to contact from England and are reportedly determined to return to Anfield at some stage.

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‎Slot has been reassured that he will see out the current campaign, with Liverpool unwilling to follow Chelsea and Manchester United by making mid-season managerial changes after Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim were dismissed earlier this term.

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‎Discussions between Liverpool and Alonso’s camp have reportedly been encouraging, bringing relief to club officials, with the former midfielder ready to respond if called upon.

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‎Slot played down the speculation with humour ahead of a Champions League victory over Marseille, joking about Alonso supposedly preparing to take his job and insisting he remains fully committed to his role.

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‎Captain Virgil van Dijk also addressed the rumours, calling the repeated questions disrespectful while acknowledging the team’s struggles this season and praising Slot’s handling of a difficult period.

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‎Slot will remain in the dugout when Liverpool face Qarabag on Wednesday as they aim to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, while also keeping their FA Cup hopes alive in the 2025-26 campaign.