Xabi Alonso's position on Liverpool job as 'demand made' and Arne Slot suspicions linger
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
SportFootballLiverpool FCXabi Alonso would demand more influence over squad planning if offered the Liverpool job, while Mohamed Salah will leave in the summer and Saudi clubs target key figuresFormer Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is willing to become the next head coach, according to reports.BILD Sport has reported that Alonso is prepared to return to Anfield if an approach is made, but the Spaniard doesn't want a repetition of a disappointing experience, such as his brief stint with Real Madrid, and would require greater authority over squad planning.It has been reported in the German press that Liverpool has maintained contact with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid head coach, who has been without a club since January, when he was dismissed by Los Blancos.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah's private thoughts after Liverpool exit bombshell as next move plannedBut for Alonso to make the comeback to management and to Liverpool, his requirements would need to be satisfied, which is reported to include more input in squad planning, which was denied before taking over from Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital.Following his dismissal at the Bernabeu, he said: “This chapter of my career has come to an end, and it hasn't turned out as we would have liked."Coaching Real Madrid has been both an honour and a responsibility."I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and the Madridista community for their trust and support.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page"I leave with respect, gratitude, and the pride of having done my best."Since then, Alonso has remained out of the spotlight but he has remained in the conversation to be installed in the Anfield hotseat.
Liverpool find themselves five points adrift of the top four, a challenging situation heading into the penultimate month of the season with Slot's position being brought into question.There is a real possibility that the Reds will fail to secure qualification for the elite European competition, which will substantially affect their transfer budget and appeal for prospects.Get 25% off Mo Salah printed Liverpool kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreMohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and Fanatics has cut the price of this season's kits with 'M.
Salah 11' printing.There exists the potential safety net of fifth position, a spot they presently occupy in the table, but England would need to remain within the top two of the coefficient rankings to unlock that possibility - something that currently appears highly probable.Liverpool can still qualify automatically by winning the Champions League, should they finish outside the top four, but they must overcome holders Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals and then either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, to secure their place in Budapest.What is certain in the coming months is that Mohamed Salah will be embarking on his farewell tour. The Egyptian made the shocking announcement on Tuesday evening that he will be departing the Reds in the summer.Reports indicate that the 33-year-old will leave on a free transfer after reaching an agreement with Liverpool to terminate his two-year contract prematurely.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCXabi Alonso