Reflect on the date, January 26, 2024.
A day etched in the memories of Liverpool fans.
Out of nowhere, Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from the club midway through a Friday morning.
As supporters absorbed the shock that their iconic manager would step down at the season’s end, the focus quickly shifted to finding a successor to fill his considerable shoes.
One name dominated the conversation that day, a name everyone was talking about.
No, not Arne Slot, although the Dutch manager had been making headlines at Feyenoord. He had chosen to turn down both Leeds United and Tottenham, but it would take a few weeks before his name surged as a potential candidate.
Xabi Alonso stood out on that day as the ideal choice. Emerging as one of Europe’s top young managers, he shared a crucial connection to Liverpool as a former player, known for his role in the miracle of Istanbul and regarded as one of their greatest midfielders from the Premier League era.
We weren’t alone in declaring Alonso as the likely successor to Klopp. Many labeled him the “natural heir” to the role, and speculated on the perfect signings he might pursue at Liverpool, including players like Florian Wirtz.
As news broke, Alonso answered questions at a Bayer Leverkusen press conference with a knowing grin.
“Well, first of all, it was a surprise,” he remarked, maintaining a lighthearted demeanor.
“But I have immense respect and admiration for Jurgen.
“Before coming to Liverpool and throughout his time here, I have grown to appreciate the remarkable achievements he’s led and the style in which he has accomplished them.
“Currently, I’m truly enjoying my work at Leverkusen. Each day presents a new challenge, and I am deeply invested in this intense and beautiful journey.
“I strive to help my players prepare for the next step; that remains my focus. What lies ahead, I can’t predict.”
Speculation about Alonso remained persistent. Reports emerged indicating Liverpool had reached out to him directly, identifying him as their top target.
Despite this chatter, Alonso remained steadfast, guiding Leverkusen through an unbeaten season and clinching both the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal.
The team showcased a flair for dramatic finishes, bolstered by an indomitable spirit that often saw them score crucial late goals. Florian Wirtz was swiftly becoming recognized as one of Europe’s elite playmakers. Their 3-4-2-1 formation proved largely unassailable.
As Alonso’s reputation blossomed, a significant announcement came when he revealed he would remain with Leverkusen for at least another season. Liverpool would need to pursue other candidates.
“This season has been filled with speculation regarding my future; we’ve been busy focusing on our matches,” Alonso shared in March.
“During the international break, I took the opportunity to meet with Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro to inform them of my decision to continue coaching Bayer Leverkusen.”
The opportunity had passed.
The 2024-25 campaign further solidified the idea that it just wasn’t meant to be.
Under Slot’s guidance, Liverpool secured the Premier League title, likely ensuring his position for the foreseeable future.
Alonso faced challenges in what became his second full season at the BayArena, but he had already been earmarked to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid. This came to fruition by summer.
As Liverpool celebrated their triumph— their first title in over three decades— Alonso was preparing to lead Los Blancos at the Club World Cup, and the notion of a reunion faded.
Fast forward six months, and the situation had flipped dramatically.
Liverpool’s title defense turned disastrous. Slot struggled to extract performances from new signings. Star player Mohamed Salah publicly expressed discontent, admitting to a strained relationship with management.
With Liverpool now trailing leaders Arsenal by ten points, having secured fewer than half of their Premier League matches, a coaching change felt increasingly possible.
On the other side, Alonso was also under pressure in Madrid. Despite a strong victory over Barcelona, The Athletic reported rifts within the team, especially involving key players like Vinicius Junior, who were dissatisfied with his tactics.
With Madrid struggling, having won only two of their last seven matches, including a sobering defeat to Slot’s Liverpool in the Champions League, anticipation in La Liga grew around their faltering campaign.
A disheartening run against teams like Rayo Vallecano, Elche, Girona, and Celta Vigo placed them four points adrift of Barcelona.
By Christmas, the picture could shift significantly; both Liverpool might search for a new manager while Alonso could find himself without a job.
Could this convergence of circumstances indicate the stars may be aligning?
