Prior to his Chelsea appointment, Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with succeeding Arne Slot at Liverpool. However, as reports of the Merseysiders sticking with Slot, their former midfielder accepted the offer from the London Blues. Liverpool then sacked Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola instead.

Never say never, of course, but the prospect of Alonso managing Liverpool at some point in the future now seems unlikely. The only fact on that front at the moment is, when he returns to Anfield the next time, he will be sitting in the opposition dugout.

When asked if he was even approached by Liverpool, Alonso was very coy.

🗣️ “It’s about timings.”

Xabi Alonso on being asked whether he was ever approached by Liverpool as he begins his new challenge at Chelsea, a club he describes as “one of the biggest”. pic.twitter.com/9q2XqTZDlh

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 13, 2026