Liverpool could hire 4-3-3 manager “top with Pep”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may have bought himself some extra time for the fans after their 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday.

The Dutch coach may have been feeling the heat after his side were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier in the week, but the Reds bounced back to win.

It was recently reported by The Telegraph that the owners believe that Slot deserves at least one transfer window to turn around the club’s fortunes, and that they are supporting him for now.

However, it has also been reported that Slot is expected to be sacked by Liverpool if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, whether that is due to finishing the Premier League or winning the Champions League this season.

On top of that, out-of-work manager Xabi Alonso is said to be open to returning to Anfield, where he spent time as a player, after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year.

Why Liverpool should not sign Xabi Alonso

Despite his reported desire to replace Slot in the hole at Anfield for the 2026/27 campaign, Liverpool should move away from making moves to appoint a Spanish head coach.

Alonso came to prominence as a manager when he led Bayer Leverkusen to a stunning unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign, with current Liverpool stars Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz in his 3-4-2-1 formation.

The following season, however, Leverkusen finished 13 points behind Bayern Munich in the title race and lost 2. Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal.

Real Madrid wanted to replace Carlo Ancelotti last summer. He played 28 games in charge before they sacked him in second place in LaLiga.

His record since that unbeaten Bundesliga title and the fact that a manager has not won the Premier League with a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation since Antonio Conte and Chelsea in the 2016/17 campaign suggests he could be a dangerous appointment.

A title-winning manager who would have been a better hire for Liverpool than Xabi Alonso

As it remains to be seen whether or not Alonso has been a one-season wonder or whether his tactical vision can match the fight for Premier League glory, it would be wise for Liverpool to look elsewhere if they decide to part ways with Slot.

Therefore, the Reds should explore other options in the summer to lead the club forward, and there is one manager who is out of work that could be a good time.

Xavi Hernandez, who was a brilliant midfielder during his playing days, has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024, but is doing well with the Catalan giants and Qatar’s Al-Sadd.

Thierry Henry once said that Xaiv is “up there with Pep (Guardiola)” with his footballing mind and ability to inspire a group of players, indicating that he will command respect quickly within the dressing room at Anfield.

His success as a manager also suggests that the players will respect him and his methods, because he won the league title with Al-Sadd in his second season in charge and won the LaLiga title in his first full season at Barcelona.

The Spanish tactician, accustomed to playing the 4-3-3 formation favored by title winners in recent Premier League seasons, has also won five cup competitions in just over two years with Al-Sadd, as well as one Super Cup with Barcelona.

Xavi, unlike Alonso, has had success in many countries and won trophies in several seasons, while using a formation that has proven effective at Premier League level under other managers, such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

His managerial work and tactical vision suggest he could be a better option than Alonso, given the question marks over his suitability in the Premier League, which is why Liverpool should evaluate the former Barcelona coach’s deal.

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