Xabi Alonso message sent to Liverpool over replacing Arne Slot | Football | Sport

Brad Friedel has told Liverpool that Xabi Alonso would be a good option to replace head coach Arne Slot. However, the former Reds shot-stopper has conceded he would be surprised if Dutchman will be sacked.

The Premier League-winning tactician faces a make-or-break week with crucial fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds looming large. Liverpool are desperately seeking to halt their alarming slide following humiliating back-to-back defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven. Sean Dyche’s side stunned Anfield in a surprise 3-0 win for Forest before the Reds capitulated during their Champions League campaign, in midweek. The successive defeats after the international break means that Liverpool have now lost nine of their last 12.

Friedel believes Alonso possesses the credentials to revitalise Liverpool should the club opt for a managerial change. Speaking to talkSPORT BET, he said: “Xabi Alonso would be a great option, but a lot would have to happen for that move to become realistic.

“He’s a top manager and would really do well for them.” With Slot’s position increasingly precarious, bookmakers have installed both Jurgen Klopp and Alonso amongst the leading contenders for the Anfield hot seat.

Alonso’s own situation at Real Madrid remains uncertain after his summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. Reports have emerged of dressing room discord at the Bernabeu following his appointment, suggesting the Spanish tactician may also be facing difficulties.

Nevertheless, Friedel voiced reservations about Liverpool potentially parting company with Slot and the likelihood of the Bundesliga champion making a return to Merseyside. He continued: “But Liverpool historically aren’t a hire-and-fire club. It would be really surprising if they removed Slot after winning the Premier League only a few months ago and after investing in players for him. It would be very un-Liverpool-like.

“Financially, missing the Champions League spots complicates things, but replacing a Premier League–winning manager with the current manager of La Liga’s top team still feels extremely unlikely. Liverpool fans would welcome Alonso, no doubt-but I can’t see it happening.”

The Reds currently occupy a position in the bottom half of the Premier League standings, trailing local rivals Manchester United and Everton. Sitting three points outside the Champions League qualification spots and 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool face a crucial week starting with Sunday’s trip to West Ham (2:05pm kick-off), where the Hammers have shown improved form under Nuno Espirito Santo with two wins from their previous three fixtures. With talk of a dismissal ramping up, Liverpool icons Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard agreed it was too early for him to be considered at risk of a dismissal.

The former Real Madrid star said: “I think no. I think it’s far too early, what he’s achieved and where he is now this year, that’s a good run of fixtures. I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it’s far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.

“I think they play Arsenal second week in Jan, that’s when the question should be asked. Hopefully they’ll have climbed the table. You have to give him time for the signings, who have constantly been injured, they’re ones you’d expect to come in and lift the team.”