Xabi Alonso tipped to join major Liverpool rival if infamous failure happens
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Ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has been tipped to join Arsenal if Mikel Arteta's side throws away the Premier League title this season, ahead of a massive week for the GunnersXabi Alonso on the touchline in his final match in charge of Real Madrid(Image: Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been tipped to become the next manager of Arsenal if Mikel Arteta doesn't get over the line in either the Premier League or the Champions League this season.Having lost the League Cup final and then been knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton, talk about Arsenal potentially winning the quadruple has quickly subsided in recent weeks.But the Gunners remain in a prime position to secure the league title — nine points clear of Manchester City, albeit having played a game more — and are in a strong position to progress past Sporting CP and into the Champions League semifinals.READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms FSG support amid difficult Liverpool season - 'As weird as it might sound'READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool injury status before Fulham with Alisson and Alexander Isak latestNonetheless, with Arsenal showing some signs of slowing down ahead of the run-in and a huge clash with Manchester City coming up next weekend that could prove decisive, the pressure to get over the line is mounting."Alonso’s name will be on the table for Liverpool, but I think he could be the perfect next manager for Arsenal," Pedro Mendes told Thunderpick."Of course, there's his past with Liverpool, but Arsenal would surely be a club that would attract him a lot because of all the players they have, the squad they have, and the way Alonso plays.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure(Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)"So, I think it would be a perfect fit. Liverpool being his old club may factor into his decision."If you put Arsenal and Liverpool on the table, maybe looking at Anfield would sway him.
If Liverpool don’t make a [move], I could see him at Arsenal."Should Arsenal fail to win silverware from this position, it will go down as one of the biggest failures in recent history. Andoni Iraola's side has caused plenty of problems for big teams in the past and the Arsenal boss was asked about getting his players to regain focus after a couple of setbacks."I think it's a balance," Arteta said.
"As I said the other day, it's better to observe first, you know, to see the natural reaction, to see what we are made of, to see what's the first instinct, collective and individually from the players, and then you can intervene based on that.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. The players know it, our supporters know it, it's an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, and let's go all together for it because it has to be a big day."Liverpool.com says: Alonso is clearly a very gifted coach, so he will be in demand.