Xabi Alonso ‘attitude’ as Liverpool ‘comes calling’
Xabi Alonso remains in the headlines in the Spanish press following his departure from Real Madrid, and has gained popularity in Britain during Tuesday’s news cycle.
The former Liverpool midfielder was previously described as a ‘leading candidate’ for the club after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure, although at the time he was quick to pledge to stay at Leverkusen.
With Arne Slot under pressure and Alonso now available, the obvious headlines have emerged. Spanish outlet Marking are the latest to revive links to a move to Anfield.
They state that “it is highly likely that he will find a new team sometime in July”, with Liverpool deemed “the most logical solution”.
While there is no explicit rule about ‘immediately accepting’ an offer from Liverpool, as has been reported elsewhere, Marca’s piece states: “we all know that sooner or later Xabi will go to Liverpool.”
It is reported that his plans are to rest ‘unless Liverpool call’, suggesting his position could be quickly changed by an approach from his ‘beloved’ former club.
There will be plenty of support for this, but that will only change if Slot is relieved of his position.
LFC News: 20-man traveling squad named, Szoboszlai contract and Andre transfer link
• Mo is wrong has been included in Liverpool’s 20-man squad to travel to Marseille, but Ibrahima Konate not for family reasons – it remains to be seen if he will be involved
• Dominik Szoboszlai has said there is progress in contract talks but “no decision has been made yet” – here’s hoping Liverpool Finally learn their lesson about tying up their players!
• Jurgen Klopp has reconfirmed that he won’t be Real Madrid’s next manager, which isn’t that surprising, but look at some of the ‘reporters’ who keep pushing his name forward
• Wolves midfielder Andre is reportedly back on Liverpool’s radar, with reports in Brazil stating they are “intending to make an official bid” – it could be opportunistic if they are relegated (RTI Sports)
OPINION: Why Slot refuses to trust 5 players
There has been a lot of discussion about Arne Slot’s team selection throughout the season Mr. Stewart has looked at his use of the squad and the lack of minutes for five players in particular:
“It is normal for a new head coach to take a year to assess who he thinks he can work with.
“The departures in the summer of Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott suggested the squad had been pruned – you would expect those who remained had earned his trust.
“And yet the infamous five of Chiesa, Endo, Ngumoha, Nyoni and Ramsay have combined for a total of one start in the Premier League and Champions League, with the Italian getting the nod at home against Wolves when Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were unavailable to start.
“Between them there have been 89 selections in these two competitions, but only 32 matches for a total of 398 minutes.”
Football news: Villa eye Mateta deal, Thomas Frank support and De Zerbi on Man United links
• Aston Villa have shown interest in a Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this month – all we can think about is Harvey Elliott going unused! (The Athletics)
• Thomas Frank claims he feels support from Tottenham’s hierarchy as pressure continues to build – it’s going to be a seller’s market for Premier League managers this summer!
• Speaking of which, Roberto DeZerbi dodged questions about links with Man United as he claimed Liverpool’s visit is his sole focus at the moment – it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ended up there
Liverpool FC: On this day
In on this day 1994the great Matt Busby died at the age of 84.
Most know him as Man United’s first great manager. Before that, however, he was actually a Liverpool player and was even captain of the Reds.
He played 122 times for Liverpool, plus a further 26 times during the Second World War.
During his playing days the Liverpool echo once described him as “the richest and most practiced passer the game has ever known, and therefore he appears in a blinding light compared to some other halfbacks.”
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