Edwards previously preferred Arne Slot over Alonso for Liverpool, and even during Slot’s tenure he was not in favor of bringing Alonso into the club. In a summer discussion highlighted in Miguel Delaney’s newsletter, Slot was shown to outperform Alonso on multiple metrics in Edwards’ evaluation. The Liverpool leadership, who delegate significant influence to the team around Edwards, consistently ranked Slot higher on their analytics for the medium to long term, despite a season that has produced some irregular results.
The idea of Alonso returning to manage his former club has sparked debate, especially as Chelsea currently appear to have a clear opportunity to pursue him. Liverpool’s own recent performances had raised questions about strategic direction, yet the club’s ownership remains focused on a longer-term renewal plan. The prevailing view within Liverpool is that Slot remains the more favorable option when evaluating coaching strength and future potential, even if fan sentiment has shown some dissent.
Alonso will get his first chance to face his former side in upcoming cup fixtures, a moment that could influence opinions about his suitability for the role. Edwards had previously shown interest in joining Chelsea after the new ownership era began but chose not to pursue a move to work under Liverpool’s owners. Any decision to bring Edwards to Stamford Bridge would require alignment with the club’s broader strategy and a willingness to collaborate with Alonso, who has earned substantial support within the club.
Edwards’ progression into a sporting director role would come with new expectations and responsibilities, including a shift in management titles and a strong emphasis on transfer strategy. He has received significant backing in the transfer window, and the role would entail embracing the belief that Alonso can deliver the long-term vision the club seeks.
