Xabi Alonso will 'DEFINITELY' manage Liverpool as ex-Reds star makes bold claim about Real Madrid boss

Downing believes that Alonso will "definitely" end up in the Anfield hotseat before too long, despite the success of Arne Slot in the Premier League last term. The Dutchman guided the Reds to the Premier League trophy, but the former winger believes that Alonso will also have been considered, along with the current Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. 

Alonso won plaudits across Europe for his success at Bayer Leverkusen, as he led the club to an incredible Bundesliga triumph in an unbeaten season in 2023/24. He is, of course, now in the dugout at the Bernabeu but Downing thinks a move to Anfield is inevitable, eventually. 

Downing told Flashscore who offer the latest sports betting apps: "I thought Ruben Amorim was going to get the Liverpool job after Klopp. Him and Xabi Alonso looked like the first choice candidates but then Slot came from absolutely nowhere and got the job.

“I think Xabi Alonso was definitely one they spoke to and maybe went for, and he obviously had his reservations. I can see why.

“To be fair to Xabi, it was probably a good decision on his part. A young coach, if he’d come to Liverpool and it didn't go well for him, he'd then be back to square one. He's stayed another year. I know they didn't win the league, but they're still challenged. They were an exciting team to watch too.

“If Liverpool come to the fore now, looking for a new manager, I think Xabi Alonso would take it on but obviously now it's obviously too late. But I think he is one for the future. He'll definitely manage Liverpool some day.

“But I think Amaron, maybe they didn't like his philosophy and with all these things going on, did he want a lot of money to spend on the team? Maybe the owners and their stance put Amorim off. They said to Slot there's not a lot of money and he took another route.

“You never know. Did Liverpool always just have Arne Slot as their number one pick and we just didn't know?”

Liverpool start their Premier League season on Friday night, when they face Bournemouth. Real Madrid, meanwhile, play Osasuna on Tuesday.