Xabi Alonso Discusses Coaching Comeback After Real Madrid Departure

It appears that former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso won't be out of the game for long if he chooses to return to management. Despite his dismissal from Los Blancos in January following their Spanish Supercup loss to Barcelona, his standing in the football world seems largely unaffected.

Alonso's departure from Real Madrid sparked considerable discussion. While the club reportedly concluded that his rapport with the squad, particularly Vinicius Junior, was beyond repair, sources close to Alonso suggested he felt his authority had been undermined by the club.

Liverpool Engages in Discussions with Xabi Alonso

As soon as it became clear that Alonso's tenure might be ending, speculation linking him to Liverpool resurfaced. The Merseyside club had previously shown interest in Alonso before appointing Arne Slot, but Alonso was reportedly holding out for the Real Madrid position. With Slot now facing challenges, Alonso is once again a primary target for Anfield. Reports indicate that Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's ownership, has initiated talks with Alonso and his family regarding a potential return.

This development follows earlier claims from a Spanish outlet that Alonso had already reached a verbal agreement to manage Liverpool for the next three seasons. According to that report, only a Champions League victory would secure Slot's current role.

Shifting Perceptions of Xabi Alonso in Spain

Xabi Alonso began his coaching spell at Real Madrid with an impressive record, securing 13 victories in his initial 15 matches. However, as his relationships with several key players reportedly deteriorated, so did the team's results. By the Christmas break, his squad had lost the tactical shape and cohesion evident in his early months.

Subsequently, Alvaro Arbeloa's struggles to bring significant change have somewhat softened the criticism directed at Alonso, shifting the focus instead to perceived weaknesses within the Real Madrid squad itself. This leaves Los Blancos in a difficult situation as they search for their third manager within a year this summer.