Xabi Alonso was heavily linked to Liverpool before Arne Slot was appointed(Image: 2024 DeFodi Images)
Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes Xabi Alonso would choose Liverpool over Manchester City if it came down to it. Alonso, 44, is currently a free agent having been sacked by Real Madrid on January 13.
When Jurgen Klopp announced he was leaving Anfield, Alonso was heavily linked with the role, only for him to choose an emotional return to the Bernabeu. But with Arne Slot having been under pressure during this season and Alonso available, the former Reds midfielder has been linked with Anfield again.
However, with Pep Guardiola’s long-term future also uncertain, the Etihad Stadium has also been identified as a potential destination for the iconic Spaniard.
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If there was a world where the hot seats of Liverpool and City were both available, Petit is convinced Alonso would select his former side, just like Mikel Arteta did when he left his role as City assistant manager to become the next Arsenal boss.
Speaking to Ignition Casino, the Frenchman said: “If Xabi Alonso has the chance to come back to Liverpool, even if the door is open at Man City, I’m pretty sure he would join Liverpool. He has a connection to Liverpool.
“He’s been a player over there and he won trophies over there. He failed at Real Madrid but that has been the case for many managers over there.
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“I think if he has the chance to join the Premier League, Liverpool would be the perfect club for him.
“It’s like Mikel Arteta’s connection to Arsenal, it would mean he wouldn’t consider joining Manchester City even when Pep Guardiola leaves.”
Before Arteta returned to the Emirates Stadium as manager, he was enjoying plenty of success with City as Guardiola’s right-hand man. But with Arsenal struggling in the table, he left Guardiola’s trophy winning machine to breathe new life into the Gunners.
They are now top of the Premier League by four points, in the League Cup final, in the next round of the FA Cup and are also one of the favourites for the Champions League, having topped the table in the group phase.
Meanwhile, the Reds have endured a frustrating title challenge, despite the unprecedented transfer outlay last summer.
Slot’s side are sixth in the Premier League, 15-points away from Arsenal and three behind fourth placed Manchester United.
Liverpool were impressive in the Champions League, finishing third in the table phase, but if they do not win the competition and finish where they are now in the Premier League, they will not be in it this year. Jamie Carragher recently admitted not qualifying for the competition may cost Slot his job.
The ex-defender said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “Once you start fearing Champions League qualification for next season, that’s when I feel we’ve got a different proposition when we’re talking about the manager’s job. That, for me, is completely different.
“Not winning the league or challenging for the league, that is a collective responsibility, and Liverpool don’t win the league every year. Not making the Champions League from champions, spending £450million and having the highest wage bill, which is the biggest determining factor normally about where you finish, I think you’ve got serious questions.”
