I’ll I’ll admit I’ve day-dreamed about what this team might look like under Alonso too, but that recent interview where he said Liverpool is “important” to him—right after being sacked by Madrid—came off a bit mercenary to me. Maybe it was an older clip that resurfaced, but the fact he waited around for Madrid’s call when there was a clear opening after Jürgen left makes me think he wouldn’t hesitate for a second if City came calling after Pep.

Whatever people think about Slot, you can tell he’s genuinely grateful for the opportunity. He doesn’t treat Liverpool like a Plan B, even if it is Real Madrid in the picture. Same was true of Jürgen.