Ex-West Ham and Everton manager Sam Allardyce says Liverpool are “out of order” if they have contacted Xabi Alonso behind the back of Arne Slot.

German tabloid Bild report that Alonso’s advisor, Inaki Ibanez, has confirmed that there is “concrete interest” from the Reds, but speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast in association with Footy Accumulators, Allardyce said:

“If that’s the case, then Liverpool are out of order. Sack the manager, pay him off and get on with it, then bring Alonso in then, because he’s out of work. There’s now this thing about tapping up managers, which we all know happens. But why do they need to do it now? Alonso is out of work!”

“Slot has earned the right to stay there. Just because Alonso was a good player, it doesn’t mean he’s going to be a good manager. Liverpool can’t get rid of Slot. You just don’t do that. Who has previously come into Liverpool – when the previous manager was pretty successful – and then win the league while only buying one player? What he did was miraculous!”

Will Slot still be in charge next season?

Currently, most bookmakers expect that the Dutchman won’t be in the dugout for the first match of the 2026/27 campaign. His odds of staying are currently 7/4, with Alonso odds-on to replace him.

A lot will hinge on how strongly Liverpool finish the season. If they seal Champions League qualification and impress in either the FA Cup or the Champions League, Slot may have a chance of keeping his job.

What about Alonso’s chances of becoming Liverpool boss?

Bild claim that FSG CEO Michael Edwards is a big fan of the Spaniard and wanted him to replace Jurgen Klopp rather than Slot. However, the coach wasn’t willing to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the time.

No official approach has been made for Alonso, but if there has been contact, it does suggest the 44-year-old is in line to return to Anfield.

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