Liverpool’s board are reportedly preparing for a seismic shift in the dugout. With Arne Slot facing mounting pressure following a string of poor results, the Reds have identified a legendary plan to stabilize the club: an interim return for Steven Gerrard followed by a summer pursuit of Xabi Alonso.
The “Interim Legend” Strategy
Liverpool’s current form has left fans and executives concerned. After four consecutive Premier League draws and a noticeable drop in attacking fluidity, Arne Slot’s tenure appears to be on thin ice.
According to journalist Jean Paul Sciberras, the board is prepared to appoint Steven Gerrard as interim manager until the end of the season. The strategy mirrors Real Madrid’s current use of Álvaro Arbeloa placing a trusted club icon in charge to navigate a period of instability without rushing into a permanent long-term appointment mid-season.
Xabi Alonso: The Ultimate “Plan A”
While Gerrard would provide the immediate emotional lift, the long-term vision centers on Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard, who recently ended his tenure at Real Madrid, is the club’s undisputed primary target for the summer of 2026.
Alonso’s track record is a tale of two extremes:
- Bayer Leverkusen: A brilliant era marked by multiple domestic titles and tactical innovation.
- Real Madrid: A more challenging 34-match stint (24 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses) where dressing room friction reportedly hindered his progress despite a respectable win rate.
Despite his recent struggles in Madrid, Liverpool believes Alonso is the perfect architect for a long-term project at Anfield. The club plans to wait until after the 2026 World Cup to finalize a move, hoping to secure their former midfield maestro for a new “Galáctico” era in the Premier League.
A Mutual Desire
While no formal agreement has been signed, sources suggest the desire for a partnership is mutual. Alonso remains a beloved figure on Merseyside, and the prospect of leading Liverpool back to the top of European football is seen as the only project capable of tempting him back to the dugout so soon after his departure from the Bernabéu.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
