12 Jan 2026 17:44:07
Ed001,
If you have time.
Your opinion on Xavi's brief time at Real Madrid?
Any info on an impending move to Liverpool?
Also, how excited would you be to see him come here and why?
Thanks in advance.
{Ed001's Note - I have no idea about his time at Madrid, sorry, I haven't been following La Liga this season, I simply don't have the time to keep up with everything these days. It was a strange choice to go there though, it was always going to be a short term thing. There is no way those pampered brats were ever going to put up with him asking them to work hard.
I would be gutted if he does come in, as it means our form has not improved. Also, it would depend on whether it means Edwards and Hughes are gone too or not. If they are still there, I am not sure it matters who is the head coach.}
12 Jan 2026 17:59:26
I don't think Xabi would come as a "head coach".
Taking another big job is a huge risk for him now. The circumstances have to be right. He has to be able to hire his own staff and he has to have a say in recruitment, otherwise he's setting himself up for another failure.
12 Jan 2026 18:07:47
Please don't go to Man Utd!
12 Jan 2026 18:15:27
For some reason, I don't see xabi being much different to slot in the long run. He could have a great season or maybe even two, but long term I don't see him as a manager that would build something stable and consistent season upon season the likes we've seen with klopp, Pep and arteta (I get arteta hasn't won anything of note yet but he has built something very solid at Arsenal that has seen them competing the last 3-4 years now, and they are almost always on an upwards trajectory similar to us under klopp) Alonso seems more slot than klopp for me, but I get finding a manager highly capable of building something for long term for 6+ years with varying degrees of success is close to impossible in today's market of managers.
I just don't think I would be convinced by him judging by his managerial stints so far, it's not much different to slot, in fact slots had more success on paper.
12 Jan 2026 18:21:06
Yeah, at some point yesterday Barcelona played a 1 2 around Vini Jr. just strolling past him. No attempt of even tracking back from Vinicius. It was on the touchline closest to Alonso, who just turned away in disgust. He knew, then and there, these players would not put in the work.
Would you be gutted? I get that. I just don't see anyway Slot improved things, he's not learning or adapting at all. Someone fresh has to come in.
We'll agree to disagree on Hughes and Edwards mate. Still have plenty to do.
Getting Xavi in should be no.1 priority now.
12 Jan 2026 18:30:07
I agree, Ron Kreague. I don't think there is any chance Alonso is going to take a job (big or small) without having some say on how thing esp. on the pitch, is going to play out. If he does come then, I would be happy cos he knows how to win and what it is like to win. In addition, he has the support of the fan base cos he also won here when he was a player.
As for RM, Benitez tried to whip them into shape when he went there and those spoiled brats back then, got him out. Good luck to their next manager. He is going to need it. Lots of it.
12 Jan 2026 18:43:16
Id say United will be in contact with xabi.
12 Jan 2026 18:44:58
Yeah he's bringing Bellingham with him. Remember when he was dead cert to join us.
12 Jan 2026 19:25:17
Like someone said in another thread if he ever managed United he could never manage us.
12 Jan 2026 21:57:53
ED01 you say you be gutted as it shows we aren't improving? I think I'm correct interpreting that from your reply. I get what you're saying and why, but, for me, we're not improving at all, we're getting there in games, just about, but we're not champions material for any competition currently, unfortunately. I'd be certainly optimistic and a little excited, rightly or wrongly, to see what Alonso could bring.
Slot's justs not going to cut it unless something serious happens within the next 4 months or so. It's not even about winning anything, it's about the whole demeanour of the team under his oversight. It's just gone to the dogs. Alonso is a risk. I'm an Iraola advocate and people say he's a bigger risk. Regardless of opinion, both are, but, more importantly, both, in my opinion are a better risk than continuing with Slot.
{Ed001's Note - I am of the same opinion, but I am still hoping that Slot will prove us wrong and take us on a long winning run and blow everyone else away. I don't think it will happen. I don't think he is doing enough to make it happen. I am also of the opinion that he is the wrong man, but I will keep hoping to be proven wrong.}
13 Jan 2026 08:50:33
It'll be another interesting six months in our LFC world that's for sure. Have a good week ED01.
{Ed001's Note - cheers shanks! I will try, you too mate.}