Xabi Alonso is experiencing a period of calculated calm, during which he aims to regain the energy he has expended since taking charge of Real Madrid last June. He understands that his return to the bench is only a matter of time, but he is not in a hurry or making any rash moves.

The Spanish coach is clear in his convictions: he will not jump at the first offer presented to him; rather, he prefers to wait for a project that aligns with his personality and philosophy based on commitment and long-term work. For now, he is content with what he calls "active rest."

In the spring of 2024, Alonso had already turned down significant opportunities from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, as he felt the timing was not right to leave and preferred to continue his project with Bayer Leverkusen. Today, he approaches the situation with the same patience, knowing that the doors of Anfield remain open to him. Liverpool considers him in their future plans, whether in the short term or for the 2026-2027 season, which is met with great acceptance and comfort by Xabi.

Despite this wait, it does not mean that Alonso or his agent and close associate Iñaki Ibáñez are turning their backs on what looms on the horizon. Liverpool remains a serious option, and the English club's management understands that the coach, who is still seen as a "Madridista" despite leaving the Bernabéu, has become decisive in his desire to return to Anfield.

On the other hand, Arne Slot continues to lead the team, knowing that each match is a real test for him, while Liverpool's management has informed him of their support until the end of the season, in a decision described as a gamble, especially given the inconsistent performance of a team that spent 482 million euros in the last summer transfer market without achieving the desired cohesion, as was evident again in the recent loss to Bournemouth under the leadership of Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool's current moves aim to anticipate possible scenarios and ensure the future reliability on Xabi Alonso. The communications with the coach's circle have received positive responses, providing the club with a sense of reassurance. This is due to a combination of respect for his contributions as a player and admiration for what he has become as a coach, despite the setbacks in his recent experience.

Alonso realized, while on the plane returning from Jeddah, that his phase with Real Madrid had reached a critical juncture. He had done everything he could to defeat Barcelona and win the Spanish Super Cup, and he was convinced of the possibility of turning the tables. However, the failure shattered everything. With the space he gave himself over the past two weeks, he began to see the picture from a different angle, and the idea of returning to the banks of the River Mersey, as he was two decades ago, became an increasingly appealing option.