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BREAKING NEWS Xabi Alonso’s agent spotted in Paris as Liverpool links grow |
Xabi Alonso Links Emerge as Liverpool Future Debate Intensifies
Fresh intrigue emerged on the Anfield Index Media Matters podcast as discussion turned to the future of Liverpool manager Arne Slot and the possibility of a move for Xabi Alonso. Reports of Alonso’s agent being seen in Paris added fuel to an already tense situation following the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Dave Davis raised the topic directly, noting “it does seem there’s no obviously direct proof or link that that’s linked to Jabi Alonzo and Liverpool but just another that fans the flames there”. The lack of concrete evidence did little to quieten the growing noise around potential managerial change.
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David Lynch urges caution on Alonso links
David Lynch was quick to distance speculation from reality, making it clear there is no confirmed movement behind the scenes. “I’m very reluctant to do that because I have no understanding or thinking around the idea that anything’s advanced in terms of that,” he said.
He reinforced the uncertainty, adding, “if there are any talks ongoing, I haven’t got any sort of insight to offer into that”. While supporters may be drawn to the idea of Alonso, Lynch stressed that internal decision makers may not share that view.
Importantly, he highlighted that Liverpool’s hierarchy could see similarities between the two coaches, stating they “could make the argument” that Alonso and Slot have “similar coaching CVs really”.
Liverpool decision makers hold the key
The podcast made clear that any decision rests with the club’s leadership, not public sentiment. Lynch pointed out that figures such as Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards would ultimately shape the direction, and their evaluation of Alonso remains unknown.
“I don’t know exactly how highly they think of Xabi Alonso at the moment,” Lynch admitted, underlining the lack of clarity. He acknowledged that Alonso is “clearly a very promising coach who at the very least will be on the short list”, but stopped short of suggesting anything more concrete.
This measured stance contrasts with growing fan speculation, which has accelerated amid Liverpool’s poor form and lack of visible progress on the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO
Uncertainty grows amid Liverpool struggles
The broader context is difficult to ignore. Liverpool’s struggles have intensified scrutiny on Slot, and discussions about alternatives are becoming more frequent. Yet Lynch cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from circumstantial developments.
“It could be that they think he’s the best thing since sliced bread and they’re doing everything they can,” he said, before balancing that view with uncertainty, “but whether that was… they wanted to just have a chat with him, I guess we’ll learn a little bit more”.
For now, the Alonso links remain speculative rather than substantive. The podcast captured a moment where uncertainty dominates, with Liverpool’s future direction still unclear and decisions yet to be made.
What is evident, however, is that conversations around change are no longer hypothetical. As results falter and pressure builds, the possibility of a new direction, whether involving Xabi Alonso or another candidate, continues to hover over Anfield.
• Fully confident Liverpool can complete the comeback, backing the squad’s mentality and quality
• Apologised to fans over the Man City incident, calling it a misunderstanding and reaffirming unity
• Acknowledges PSG’s quality and evolution but insists Liverpool are ready
• Says a comeback would rank among the biggest moments of his career
• Highlights Anfield as a major factor, expecting the crowd to play a huge role
• Promises a different tactical approach, stressing the need to “go all in”
• Admits PSG benefit from extra rest but says Liverpool must handle it professionally
• Open to stepping up as a leader alongside senior players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker
• Emphasises total commitment, insisting the team will give everything to turn the tie around.
Curtis Jones returns to Liverpool training ahead of PSG clash after injury scare
Curtis Jones was back in Liverpool first-team training on the eve of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, easing concerns over a potential injury setback ahead of the crucial second leg.
The midfielder had sparked fears after being forced off with a groin issue during the win over Fulham, with doubts immediately raised over his availability for Tuesday’s showdown at Anfield.
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However, Jones was part of an 18-man outfield group that trained at the AXA Training Centre on Monday, taking part in final preparations for PSG’s visit.
Although Arne Slot had initially suggested the short turnaround would make his involvement difficult, the 24-year-old’s return to training has put him back in contention for a place in the matchday squad.
Liverpool trained with a near full-strength group, with no new injury absentees reported aside from those already sidelined.
The session included Alexander Isak, who continues his return to full fitness, while Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong were also involved after recent concerns over their workload.
Liverpool squad in training pre-PSG
Goalkeepers: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Misciur
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Frimpong, Kerkez, Robertson
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, Ekitike, Chiesa, Ngumoha
Liverpool host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night – read a statistical preview of the tie here.
The Reds welcome the holders to Anfield for an 8pm BST kick-off and must overturn a 2-0 deficit from last week’s first meeting in Paris in order to progress to a semi-final against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
See a selection of the best pre-match facts and figures from LFC statistician Ged Rea below.
The clubs have met seven times in Europe, with Liverpool winning three games and PSG winning the other four. The Reds lost both previous knockout ties (in the Champions League Round of 16 last season and the 1996-97 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final).
Home and away against clubs from France, Liverpool have won 21 matches, lost 13 and drawn three. None of those 37 fixtures ended in a goalless draw.
In 18 Anfield meetings with French opposition, Liverpool have won 14, lost three (v Marseille in 2008, Lyon in 2009 and PSG in 2025) and drawn one.
When attempting to overcome a deficit of two or more goals from an away European first leg, the Reds have progressed on two of 13 occasions (against Auxerre in 1991 and Barcelona in 2019). This includes the Super Cup in 1978.
Past European ties involving Liverpool have gone to extra-time on 16 occasions. The Reds won 10 of those, including via penalty shootouts and once on the toss of a coin.
The Reds are seeking a 21st semi-final appearance in European competition. This is their 29th quarter-final, 18 of which have come in the European Cup/Champions League – one short of Manchester United’s English record.
None of Liverpool’s last 32 Champions League games finished in a draw (won 22, lost 10), equalling Marseille’s record run in the competition.
The Reds have failed to score in only nine of their last 58 European fixtures, but that includes in four of their last 12.
Liverpool have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 22 European outings, including five so far this season.
Virgil van Dijk has played every minute of the Champions League campaign this season. Hugo Ekitike, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have also appeared in all 11 of the Reds’ games.
Liverpool have gone on to win 24 of the 29 games in which they have scored the first goal this season, losing twice.
PSG are seeking to become the ninth different club to successfully retain the European Cup/Champions League trophy, after Real Madrid, Benfica, Internazionale, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and AC Milan.
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