Xabi Alonso has been a highly sought-after managerial talent, particularly among Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United.
As Jurgen Klopp prepared to step down as Liverpool’s manager, Alonso was widely considered the ideal candidate to take over the reins at Anfield. His status as a former Liverpool midfielder, coupled with his growing reputation as an astute coach, made him a fan favorite for the job. It wasn’t just the supporters who were keen on the idea; many inside the club shared this sentiment.
Despite the extensive speculation and Liverpool’s interest, Alonso ultimately chose not to pursue the opportunity. The Spaniard, currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, opted to remain with the German club rather than make a return to Merseyside. This decision came after months of rumors linking him with the vacant managerial position at Anfield, following Klopp’s departure.
Instead of Alonso, Liverpool turned their attention to Arne Slot, a Dutch coach who has made a significant impression since taking over. Slot’s impact has been so positive that any initial disappointment from fans over Alonso’s rejection has quickly faded. Slot has brought a fresh energy to the team, and Liverpool’s performances under his leadership have been remarkable, effectively quelling any lingering frustration over missing out on Alonso.
While Liverpool found a successful solution in Slot, Manchester United’s situation has been markedly different. The club, which has struggled in recent years to maintain its once-dominant position in world football, also targeted Alonso as a potential replacement for their current manager, Erik ten Hag. United’s management was keen to bring in a coach with a higher profile and stronger qualifications, particularly as Ten Hag’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency.
However, much like Liverpool, United’s overtures to Alonso were also unsuccessful. According to reports, Alonso declined the chance to take over at Old Trafford, leaving the club with little choice but to continue their faith in Ten Hag. The decision not to appoint Alonso left United in a difficult position, especially as the club has struggled to return to its former glory under various managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Alonso’s decision to turn down both Liverpool and Manchester United has led to speculation that he is focused on other opportunities in the near future. One of the most prominent rumors involves Real Madrid, where Alonso is currently considered a leading candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager, now 65 years old, has entered the final 18 months of his contract with the Spanish giants, and Real Madrid have reportedly begun the process of identifying potential successors.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid player himself, is seen as a natural fit for the role, and his name has been frequently mentioned in discussions about who will take over at the Bernabeu once Ancelotti departs. With Alonso’s growing success at Bayer Leverkusen and his deep ties to Real Madrid, many believe it is only a matter of time before he takes the helm at one of the biggest clubs in world football.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has already achieved notable success. His team won the Bundesliga title last season, remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign. The only blemish on an otherwise flawless season came in the Europa League final, where Leverkusen suffered their only defeat. Alonso’s accomplishments at the club have not gone unnoticed, and his reputation as one of the most promising young managers in the game continues to grow.
This season, Leverkusen is competing in the Champions League, and they have started strongly with victories over both Feyenoord and AC Milan. Domestically, however, they have experienced a slightly less dominant start, sitting in fifth place in the Bundesliga table with three wins, two draws, and one loss. Despite this, Alonso’s overall impact on the club has been overwhelmingly positive, and he has been credited with transforming Leverkusen into a formidable force in both Germany and Europe.
The notion of Alonso taking over at Manchester United was always somewhat unlikely, given his strong connections to Liverpool. Having spent five years at Anfield as a player, Alonso is closely associated with the club, and a move to United would have been a surprising twist in his career. While United remains one of the biggest names in world football, their recent struggles on the pitch and inconsistent management off it have diminished their standing to some extent. A move from Bayer Leverkusen to United might have even been seen as a step down in sporting terms, especially given the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs in recent years.
As United continues to navigate its managerial uncertainties, they have reportedly considered other high-profile candidates to replace Ten Hag, should they decide to part ways with the Dutchman. One name that has emerged in discussions is Thomas Tuchel, a manager with significant experience and a proven track record at the highest level. However, Tuchel is no longer available after accepting the position as England’s new head coach.
For now, it appears that United will persist with Ten Hag, though the club’s leadership is undoubtedly keeping an eye on potential replacements should the need arise. The pursuit of Alonso, and the subsequent failure to secure his services, serves as a reminder of the challenges facing United as they try to rebuild their reputation and return to the elite of European football.
Liverpool can feel confident about their future under Arne Slot. The Dutchman has already demonstrated his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players, helping to guide Liverpool through a potentially difficult transition period. While Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen may have initially been a blow, Slot’s early success has ensured that Liverpool remains competitive at the highest level.
As for Alonso, his decision to remain in Germany for now suggests he is playing the long game, with his sights set on a future role at Real Madrid. With Ancelotti nearing the end of his tenure, Alonso’s dream of managing one of the world’s most prestigious clubs could soon become a reality. Whether at Real Madrid or elsewhere, Alonso’s managerial career is undoubtedly one to watch, and his next move will be eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike.
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