Jamie Carragher has urged fans not to get caught up in the idea of recruiting a managerial figure like Xabi Alonso simply because of links that have emerged amid a turbulent season for the Reds.
Carragher’s comments come amid increasing speculation over the future of head coach Arne Slot at Anfield, with supporters and the wider media debating whether Liverpool should refresh the dugout.
One name frequently mentioned as a potential replacement is Alonso, who enjoyed a successful managerial spell in the Bundesliga and remains a fan favourite for his playing career at Liverpool.
In his column for the Telegraph, Carragher acknowledged the affection supporters still hold for former team-mate Alonso, but cautioned against comparing him directly to Jurgen Klopp.
“My fear is Liverpool supporters are already behaving like United fans in the aftermath of Ferguson’s departure,” Carragher wrote.
According to Carragher, Klopp’s unique connection with Liverpool, both on and off the pitch, was a one-off.
However, the pundit is ignoring the fact that Liverpool fans love Klopp not just for the success he brought to Anfield, but for the unique connection he made with the fans and the city.
Slot, unlike Klopp and Alonso, has failed to make a meaningful connection to the people, and under his guidance, Liverpool are identity-less. That’s the main concern.
?? Paul Scholes pointed out that the current Arne Slot situation is likely being made worse by the fact that Xabi Alonso is now a free agent ?:
“Having Alonso there won’t help will it?” To which Carragher responded: “That probably doesn’t help.” pic.twitter.com/x1CpZjSGI8
— Goaldata – Liverpool Zone (@LiverpoolZNE) January 29, 2026
Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool fans to disassociate from Xabi Alonso links
Liverpool fans have been urged to disassociate from the widespread media links to Alonso. Yet, any major trip-ups between now and the end of the season will only cement the fanbase’s belief that Slot is a poor fit.
“If you are a sporting director hunting for a world-class appointment, who are the alternative candidates to a coach who has already delivered a Premier League title? So far as Liverpool supporters are concerned, it seems all roads lead to Alonso,” Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
“There is such a romantic attachment to the former midfielder, and that is understandable. If Xabi were not available, would more be prepared to give Slot another season if this one ends in failure? My suspicion is yes.
“That’s certainly where I stand on the issue, although it cannot be ignored how backing an under-siege manager in another summer transfer window can backfire. Carrying the baggage of a poor run into the next campaign can derail it before it has got going.”
Liverpool need to be careful they don’t miss out on Alonso
The major risk Liverpool are courting at the moment is that Alonso will no longer be available when they realise that things are going to pan out with Slot.
As things stand, Liverpool are keeping faith with Slot, but what happens if they run into the same issue they did with Brendan Rodgers in 2015?
After an abysmal 2014/15 season, Liverpool kept faith with Rodgers but realised the following season that they needed to make a change and brought Jurgen Klopp to the club.
[?] NEW: FSG remain steadfastly behind Arne Slot and want him to emerge from the turbulence.
The prevailing view is that Slot was crucial to the league title and that the head coach with a track record of success has not just disappeared. This has been a season of, at times,… pic.twitter.com/joHaFzlKgB
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) April 2, 2026
But, what happens if Liverpool keep Slot this summer, run into the same identity and tactical issues and realise they need to make a managerial change, but Alonso has taken a new job elsewhere?
Top managers like Alonso don’t sit still for too long. The Spaniard has taken the remainder of this season off after being sacked by Real Madrid, but he won’t be available forever.
Liverpool understandably have their reservations over Alonso due to his three-at-the-back philosophy. But is there a manager more suited to the city and club of Liverpool? One who understands how to get the best out of Wirtz and two elite strikers like Ekitike and Isak?
It’s a major risk, and hopefully the hierarchy comes to this realisation soon.
