Real Madrid: Arne Slot Takes His Revenge on Xabi Alonso!

The battle lines between two of Europe’s most promising young managers have been drawn—and it’s personal. The unexpected transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool to Real Madrid didn’t just shake Anfield; it lit a fire under newly-appointed Reds boss Arne Slot. While many thought he’d move on quietly, Slot has chosen an entirely different path—one filled with strategy, rivalry, and perhaps a little revenge.

The Dutchman, who only recently took over the managerial reins at Liverpool, was visibly frustrated when Alexander-Arnold made the switch to the Santiago Bernabéu. The English full-back’s exit, orchestrated with the silent blessing of Real Madrid’s recruitment arm—strongly influenced by former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso—sparked a subtle yet calculated response from Slot.

It all began with a Premier League match against Brighton. With the eyes of the press and fans fixed on Liverpool’s lineup, Slot made a bold call: he benched Trent Alexander-Arnold entirely. Liverpool would go on to lose that match 3-2, a result that raised more eyebrows than questions.

When quizzed post-match, Slot didn’t beat around the bush. “Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to leave anyway. So why not leave him out? This may be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso!” he quipped with a knowing smirk. It was a joke—but one with a sting. It revealed Slot’s awareness of the brewing mind games between him and the Real Madrid-linked Alonso.

But Slot wasn’t just throwing shade. Behind his apparent sarcasm was a deeper, tactical maneuver. The Liverpool boss had already begun working on a plan to hit back—and not just with words. His counterattack? To raid Xabi Alonso’s own Bayer Leverkusen side, which had stunned Europe with its energetic, attacking football under the Spaniard.

According to multiple sources, Liverpool have already wrapped up a deal for Leverkusen’s electric wing-back Jérémie Frimpong. Only the official announcement remains. But Slot isn’t stopping there. The real headline-grabber is that Florian Wirtz, arguably the crown jewel of Alonso’s Leverkusen project, has reportedly given the green light for a switch to Anfield.

Sky Sports reported that Liverpool are preparing a formal offer for the German international, with insiders suggesting that Wirtz is tempted by the prospect of being the centerpiece of Slot’s new vision. For Liverpool fans still reeling from the departure of a fan favorite like Alexander-Arnold, these rumors offer a glimmer of hope—and vengeance.

This isn’t just about transfers. It’s a show of strength. Slot is sending a crystal-clear message: Liverpool won’t be bullied, not by Real Madrid, and certainly not by Alonso. The Dutchman is determined to rebuild—and he’s doing it by targeting his rival’s greatest assets.

Interestingly, Alonso himself is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid once the Italian steps down at the end of the season. That makes the Slot-Alonso rivalry even more intriguing. As Alonso helps Madrid plan their future from behind the scenes, Slot is already disrupting that strategy—one calculated signing at a time.

The psychological warfare is now out in the open. Slot’s swift retaliation shows he’s not just a manager trying to make a mark at Liverpool—he’s also a tactician willing to engage in off-pitch battles that could define the future of two of Europe’s biggest clubs.

What’s unfolding is a fascinating narrative: a former Feyenoord coach versus a former Liverpool legend, both now influential figures at clubs with ambitions of European dominance. The personal stakes have never been higher.

One thing is certain—Arne Slot is not here to play second fiddle. In this high-stakes chess match, he’s already captured a few of Alonso’s key pieces. Whether that will translate into trophies or more dramatic twists remains to be seen.

But for now, one thing is clear: Real Madrid may have won Trent, but Liverpool—and Arne Slot—are not backing down without a fight.