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Jeremie Frimpong has praised his former manager Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool amid pressure on Arne Slot.
Frimpong was a key figure under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, helping the club win their first Bundesliga title in 2023–24 before making 53 appearances in all competitions as they finished second in 2024–25.
Alonso, who spent five years at Real Madrid as a player, also guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic campaign that also delivered a cup double.
He later took charge at Real Madrid last summer, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, but left the role after less than eight months, winning 24 of his 34 games in charge.
Since his Madrid departure, the 44-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield, having previously been considered for the job before Arne Slot’s appointment. Frimpong described Alonso as a “legend” who “knows the game.”
Frimpong said on Men in Blazers: “He is a great player, you know, legend. He knows the game. If you have a coach like him, you know, you have to listen.
“He knows what’s best for you. He’s seen a lot of players that are good, so he’s got all the experiences. So of course, when he first came, he just knew how to use me.
“He knew I could help the team a lot with my speed and my ability to get past people. Just practicing your final third balls, when to run so you are not offside, things like this.”
Xabi Alonso is reportedly a top priority for Liverpool this summer as pressure continues to build on Arne Slot, who is under increasing scrutiny following a difficult run of results.
Liverpool’s form has raised concerns over their Champions League qualification hopes, while the club are also out of all domestic cup competitions, leaving Europe as their only remaining target.
Slot’s position has come under further question after three consecutive defeats, including losses to Brighton in the Premier League and Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Despite the speculation, reports have also suggested that Fenway Sports Group remain supportive of Slot and are open to him continuing into next season.
