Xabi Alonso told Liverpool board 'are keeping tabs on him' as Arne Slot suspicions raised

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has given his verdict on Xabi Alonso potentially replacing Arne Slot after the Spaniard left Real Madrid following just months in charge

Ex-Liverpool player Danny Murphy reckons the club's hierarchy will be keeping tabs on Xabi Alonso's circumstances, but doesn't expect them to make any hasty decisions to replace Arne Slot in the immediate future. This follows the former midfielder's dismissal as Real Madrid manager after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.

Alonso was once considered a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp, but after pledging his future to Bayer Leverkusen, focus shifted to Slot. The Dutch tactician secured the Premier League title in his debut campaign, putting to bed any lingering doubts about missing out on appointing a club legend as manager.

The Spaniard subsequently moved to Real Madrid last summer, although his tenure lasted just a matter of months, and his departure coincided with a challenging period for Liverpool. Consequently, supporters have speculated that the club's decision-makers might be prepared to swap Slot for Alonso should the chance present itself in the months ahead.

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Murphy has shared his thoughts on the Spanish manager and the likelihood of him landing at Anfield soon, telling talkSPORT: "He was a brilliant footballer, really intelligent, not the most athletic, but he had that (football intelligence).

"I know the lads there who played with him spoke highly of him; that doesn't happen, in fact, very rarely. Very likeable. He's started off his managerial career really well, maybe Real Madrid came too soon for him."

On the prospect of him returning to Liverpool, Murphy continued: "Yeah, (Liverpool board will keep a close eye on proceedings) that's what you should be doing, keeping on top of what's going on around you if you're a top club, ready for a contingency if something bad happens.

"But Slot's actually recovered from the poor spell well, they haven't been playing brilliantly, but the injuries, problems they've had, to be on a 10-game unbeaten run, they've stabilised, he's done alright. He (Slot) needs a good second half to the season, but I wouldn't think there's any drastic thoughts of the hierarchy."

Liverpool have traditionally been willing to afford their managers time to turn things around, and whilst Slot enjoyed a flying start last season with a title triumph, this campaign has required more patience. Expectations may have soared following a summer outlay exceeding £450m, added to a squad that had already secured the league, but there are evident issues that need addressing.

"We know that our league position makes it very hard to compete with Arsenal for the league title," Slot acknowledged to Sky Sports recently. "Our first focus now is on a top-four, top-five finish to qualify for the Champions League

"And all the other things we can still play for, for the Champions League, for the FA Cup."

However, anything less than a spot in the Champions League could alter the scenario for Slot, potentially prompting the board to explore the managerial market, which is predicted to heat up this summer. The departure of Alonso from Real Madrid positions him as a prime contender, especially given his Liverpool connections from his playing days and his proven track record at Bayer Leverkusen.

So far, he's been a project coach, capable of working through phases, a luxury not typically afforded to a manager at Real Madrid, who suffered a defeat to second-tier Albacete in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday night, their first match post-management shakeup. After his exit from the club, Alonso put out a statement, revealing his disappointment at losing the role.

"This professional stage is over, and it didn't go as we would have liked,” he said in an Instagram post. “Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility.

“I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”

A move to Liverpool, known for their patience with managers, might appeal to the 44-year-old, but that hinges entirely on the club's assessment of their current manager's performance.

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