Arne Slot Stunned by Xabi Alonso's Shocking Real Madrid Departure
Liverpool manager Arne Slot stated that Xabi Alonso's swift departure from Real Madrid was "unusual" and rejected suggestions that 'head coaches' face greater job insecurity than traditional 'managers' in contemporary football.
Slot has experienced scrutiny in his current position within English football. The Netherlands-born tactician was brought in during summer 2024 as Liverpool's inaugural head coach, concentrating primarily on daily training ground responsibilities while newly appointed sporting director Richard Hughes handles player acquisitions.
Both work under football CEO Michael Edwards' oversight.
Though this manager-head coach differentiation represents a recent development in England, it's been standard practice across Europe. As Slot noted when taking the role: "This approach is typical throughout Europe and Holland."
A lot of managers don't get time at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso was one of them. pic.twitter.com/IqsdFc0qi5
Real Madrid appointed Alonso as their new "coach" in May. Fewer than eight months later, he was relieved of duties (along with losing player support).
Rather than indicating any broader pattern, Slot characterized Alonso's quick departure as an isolated incident. "It's unusual for Real Madrid to dismiss a manager—or however you phrase it—so early in their tenure," he stated. "We'll see if this becomes a recurring theme, but there are other examples to consider."
Alonso's stint was short but not without precedent. Seven Real Madrid coaches this century have overseen fewer games than the former Liverpool player, who managed 34 matches before his dismissal.
Slot Happy With Head Coach Distinction
Slot Content With Head Coach Role
Slot was asked whether Alonso's exit reflected diminished influence for head coaches in modern football. Enzo Maresca's Chelsea departure and Manchester United's dismissal of Ruben Amorim, who openly criticized his job title classification, were cited as supporting examples. The Dutch coach remained skeptical.
"I spent three years at my initial club, was meant to complete four years at my second, worked three years at my third, and I'm now eighteen months into this position," he informed the media.
"Regarding the clubs you've referenced [Chelsea, Man Utd and Real Madrid], we understand one of these institutions' track record. So I'm uncertain whether anything has actually shifted.
"I observe some coaches enjoying lengthy tenures, and one of our competitors has a manager [Pep Guardiola at Manchester City] who's been there extensively. Mikel Arteta has maintained his Arsenal position for considerable time.
"There will always be instances of coaches working long-term at clubs and institutions where coaches don't last long. But didn't Carlo Ancelotti have an extended period at Real Madrid?"
"England distinguishes between manager and head coach roles, while other nations typically use head coach," Slot continued. "As mentioned, Ancelotti had a lengthy Madrid tenure, as did other coaches."
Liverpool Not Considering Replacing Slot With Alonso—Report
Liverpool Not Planning Slot-Alonso Switch—Report
Liverpool's disappointing streak of 12 winless games—six ending in stalemates—marks progress from their terrible autumn form. When the Reds hit rock bottom with nine losses in 12 matches, their worst run since post-war food rationing ended, Slot was helped by limited quality managerial options available.
Alonso's newfound availability means there's now an attractive alternative casting doubt over every poor Anfield performance. The Athletic reports that Slot "maintains support" from Liverpool's ownership with mid-season changes virtually impossible. However, whether this confidence survives beyond this season depends entirely on upcoming results.
If Liverpool fails to secure Champions League football or exits early from cup competitions, Slot would likely face significant pressure with Alonso—a leading candidate for his role in 2024 before declining to leave Bayer Leverkusen—now available for hire.