Xabi Alonso hurdle explained with 'little to suggest' Liverpool pursuing Spanish coach | OneFootball

Liverpool have reservations over Xabi Alonso as a fit for the club due to his preference for a back three.

Alonso has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Arne Slot, who is under pressure after a disappointing campaign for thePremier League champions. Liverpool are fifth in the table and facing a battle to secure Champions League qualification.

Alonso's availability after leaving Real Madrid has seen him backed to succeed Slot, should a change be made.

The Spaniard spent five seasons at Liverpool as a player and remains a popular figure at Anfield. He was previously linked with the role following Jurgen Klopp's exit, after impressing during his early coaching career.

Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to a maiden Bundesliga title in 2023-24, as his side. became the first-ever German champions without losing a game.

The presence of former Leverkusen players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong at Liverpool has furthered strengthened the external argument in Alonso's favour.

However, journalistPaul Joyce has said that there is 'little to suggest' the Liverpool decision-makers are considering Alonso at this stage. He said the Reds have previously avoided coaches who prefer to use three central defenders.

"The external expectation is that the Spaniard, who is out of work after his sacking by Real Madrid in January, would be next in line for the managerial role, but there is little to suggest that aligns with internal thinking," Joyce said.

"Alonso favours a back three, for example, which is one of the reasons why Liverpool did not pursue Ruben Amorim when pressing ahead with Klopp’s successor."