Xabi Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool job amid uncertainty over Arne Slot’s future at Anfield as they battle to secure a place in next season’s Champions League
Liverpool-linked Xabi Alonso is reportedly ready to take the Chelsea head coach job – but only if he has assurances on the ability to build a project. The former Reds midfielder has been among the big names linked with Liverpool amid pressure on current manager Arne Slot.
Slot’s side have endured a miserable Premier League title defence and are yet to confirm a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. The Reds face Aston Villa on Friday night (8pm BST) knowing that only victory will guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition for another campaign.
Liverpool’s struggles under the former Feyenoord boss have led to suggestions that he could be replaced, although the Dutchman insists he has no reason to believe he will be sacked. The 47-year-old revealed he has been planning for next season at Anfield.
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He said: “I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season. First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.
“But if you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare with last season – if you compare it with other seasons you might have a different debate – but if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes.
“We have all had our share, and with ‘all’ I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”
Slot’s chances of staying will be further boosted if Chelsea appoint Alonso – although the chaotic strategy of their owners, BlueCo, is understood to be a concern.
And The Independent claim that the Spaniard would like assurances over how Chelsea will be run if he becomes their head coach. It is said that Alonso wants to be able to properly impose his ideology on the team.
Those concerns follow a brief spell at Real Madrid earlier this season, where he was hampered by player power and wider problems. It is why the 44-year-old wants to take care to avoid a similar situation.
Alonso could be taking over a team who are uncertain which European competition they will qualify for next season.
If Chelsea, who currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, win the FA Cup, they will be in the Europa League.
If they finish sixth, then the Europa League spot via Premier League position would go to seventh, and the Conference League spot would go to eighth.
However, if Chelsea end up outside the top seven, they will just take up their spot in the Europa League as FA Cup winners, with no extra European place given to the Premier League.
