Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has issued a powerful public endorsement of his manager, Xabi Alonso, at a time when the Spanish coach is being heavily linked with a return to his former club, Liverpool.
Liverpool's Anfield Crisis Deepens
The pressure on current Liverpool head coach Arne Slot intensified dramatically on Wednesday night following a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Despite Dominik Szoboszlai cancelling out an early Ivan Perisic penalty, the Reds collapsed, conceding to a strike from Guus Til and a late double from Couhaib Driouech.
This result marks Liverpool's ninth loss in just 12 matches, plunging the club into a deep crisis. While club sources indicate no immediate decision is expected on Slot's future, bookmakers have already begun speculating on potential successors.
Alonso Emerges as Leading Contender
The betting markets have identified former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as a prime candidate for the Anfield hotseat. BetVictor slashed his odds to 5/2, making him a strong favourite, while other major bookmakers like Paddy Power and Sky Bet offer 6/1.
Alonso's own position at Real Madrid has come under scrutiny after a mixed start to the season in the Spanish capital. However, his credentials were significantly bolstered by his team's midweek Champions League performance, masterminded by his star player.
Mbappe's Heroics and Rallying Cry
In a stunning display, Kylian Mbappe scored all four goals in Real Madrid's 4-3 away victory at Olympiacos. The French forward netted the second-fastest hat-trick in Champions League history, finding the net in the 22nd, 24th, and 29th minutes after his team had fallen behind.
Following the match, Mbappe delivered a firm message of support for his manager. "We have to protect the players, the coach and the staff," he stated. "In the end, we're all in this together."
He went on to add, "I don't think he deserves everything that's happening right now... The objective right now is to make the fans feel that we are united and all rowing in the same direction."
This public backing from one of the world's most high-profile players adds a fascinating new dimension to the mounting speculation surrounding the Liverpool managerial position, setting the stage for a potential dramatic reunion at Anfield.
