View ImageXabi Alonso speaks to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Manchester City(Image: Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has kept the possibility of managing Liverpool alive after revealing he would welcome a return to the Premier League and acknowledging his special bond with his former club. The Spaniard is facing mounting pressure at Real Madrid just seven months into his tenure at the Bernabeu.
And his future could become a key talking point if they suffer defeat to Manchester City in Wednesday’s Champions Leaguehome clash.
Real have managed just two victories in their last six outings across all competitions and suffered a home loss to Celta Vigo on Sunday, with Alonso finding it difficult to command respect from an influential dressing room.
With senior squad members questioning his approach, Alonso is already battling to secure his position at Madrid, and during his pre-match press conference ahead of the City encounter, he was bombarded with questions about the club’s current difficulties.
Alonso departed Liverpool in 2009 but was touted for the Anfield position when Jurgen Klopp stepped down in 2024, though he ultimately chose to remain with Bayer Leverkusen for another campaign.
However, with Arne Slot now also facing scrutiny following a disappointing spell, Alonso confirmed his interest in Premier League management at some point.
“Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for now this is my place,” Alonso said.
“In future, you never know what might happen.”
Alonso was also questioned about Mohamed Salah’s explosive interview on Saturday night following Liverpool’s draw at Leeds United, where he claimed the club was “throwing me under the bus” and hinted at a possible January departure, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Salah has been omitted from the Reds’ Champions League squad to face Inter Milan, but Alonso was hesitant to comment on the situation.
“This decision has been made in Liverpool, I’m sure we’re missing many details of what is going on. I don’t need to say anything about it,” he stated.
Those enquiries might have provided some respite for Alonso, who endured intense questioning about his future and his relationships with both the board and players.
Alonso was at his most direct when pressed on whether he felt backed by the players, simply responding with a “yes”.
Regarding his discussions with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the board, he commented: “Communication is constant, we have unity, we are all together in this, I have a good relationship with them.”
Alonso repeatedly attempted to steer the conversation towards Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Man City, emphasising his concentration on that match and consistently referring to it as an “opportunity”.
The 44-year-old previously worked under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and, despite the alterations at City this season, he remains confident about what lies ahead.
“It’s Pep’s team, he’s been at the club for nine years with different stages, different teams,” Alonso said.
“This year they have hired different players and important players have left, but they have very recognisable things after all these years.”