A licensed bookmaker has named Xabi Alonso as the favorite to replace Arne Slot as manager of Liverpool Football Club.
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Liverpool, currently fourth in the 2025/26 Premier League with 35 points after 21 matches, faces growing fan calls for a managerial change due to Arne Slot’s inability to meet supporters’ expectations.
However, Xabi Alonso was recently dismissed as Real Madrid manager after a 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España, amid disagreements with players. The final straw was reportedly when Alonso expected Real Madrid players to applaud Barcelona players receiving the championship trophy, but Kylian Mbappé instead gestured for his teammates to head back to the dressing room.
Most recently, Sky Bet, a licensed UK bookmaker, has named Xabi Alonso as the leading candidate to become Liverpool’s new manager, with Luis Enrique ranked second and Jürgen Klopp third.
Liverpool’s next fixture is a home match against Burnley in the 22nd round of the 2025/26 Premier League, scheduled for 17 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at 22:00.