Liverpool searched through the managerial world last season to find the right candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp.

The shock announcement from the German manager that he would step down at the end of the 2023/24 season after nine years in charge of the Reds threw the future of the club into uncertainty.

Many names were mentioned as the hunt went on, but one that slipped under the radar was the man who eventually took over – Arne Slot.

Coming off of an impressive three years in charge of Feyernoord, Slot was charged with leading Liverpool into a future that followed one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Former Liverpool star in line for shock Real Madrid role and it's not Jurgen Klopp or Xabi Alonso	Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso shows true colours with next Real Madrid manager comments	Ex-Liverpool star in running for Real Madrid job as Xabi Alonso makes feelings clear

However, he has made that look easy.

Liverpool are closing in on a Premier League title, and could win it today if Arsenal were to lose to Ipswich Town and Liverpool beat Leicester City.

Despite all this, Liverpool’s future could have looked very different.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso was heavily linked to a move to Anfield for the majority of last season, as he guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.

A trophy lift that shocked the footballing world, made even more impressive because they did not lose once in the league all season.

Many tipped Alonso to be on his way to Liverpool after impressing so much in Germany, but the Spaniard chose to stay at Leverkusen, opting to build on his success and to build on his achievement.

A year on, and talks about potential managerial changes are heating up, with Xabi Alonso a hot topic of conversation.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed today that Xabi Alonso remains Real Madrid’s top priority to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Bayer Leverkusen will reportedly not stand in Xabi’s way if he wishes to leave, as they are aware of his decision to join Real Madrid since he turned down Liverpool and Bayern Munich a year ago.

Real Madrid appear to be on the look-out for a new manager as the Spanish club look set for a disappointing end to the season, as they crashed out the Champions League mid-week to Arsenal and are falling behind in the La Liga title race.

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