27 February 2024 , 12:56
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Bayern Munich's new sporting director, Max Eberl, has revealed that he's already faced rejection from Xabi Alonso - in a previous job.
Alonso, 42, is considered Bayern's No.1 target for their soon-to-be vacant managerial post, as current boss Thomas Tuchel will leave at the end of this season. But Alonso, who's guided Bayer Leverkusen to an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, also finds himself on the shortlist of another of his former clubs: Liverpool.
The Reds are being heavily tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp with the Spaniard, who spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009 before moving on to Real Madrid. Alonso's next move was to Bayern and the midfielder enjoyed three seasons with the German giants.
Facing the prospect of heading into a Bundesliga season without being champions first time since 2012, Bayern have hired former RB Leipzig chief Eberl as their sporting director from March 1. Eberl previously worked for Borussia Monchengladbach, where he tried and failed to recruit Alonso, who at the time had only managed Real Sociedad B.
"I wanted to bring Xabi Alonso to Gladbach, it was three years ago," the new Bayern bigwig told a press conference. "He told me, 'I'm sorry but no thanks, it's too early. I need more experience'."
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Eberl continued by saying that he was impressed with Alonso's response, but had "no comment" on the current situation. The ex-Bayern and Gladbach right-back went on to say: "We need to find the right coach for Bayern Munich. There are candidates who are still under contract. There are candidates who are free.”
"The future coach needs to fit the club's standards and also align with me and Christoph (Freund, Bayern's current sporting director whose role is set to be altered).
Your turn! Which club should Xabi Alonso choose - Bayern Munich or Liverpool? Join the debate in the comments section.
Max Eberl has been appointed Bayern Munich's new sporting director (M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images)"We have [Mathys] Tel, [Jamal] Musiala. Real Madrid managed to integrate players like [Eduardo] Camavinga into a midfield with [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric. We need a coach like that too. He should be able to speak German or English. There are candidates."
Alonso is understood to be one of them, but for now he's focussed on finishing the job in his first full season at Leverkusen. "Maybe you have questions about my future but I have nothing new to say about that," he said last week. "I wanted to say that in advance."
Alonso's comments came before his side's 2-1 victory over Mainz to go 11 points clear of Bayern on Friday. Saturday saw the champions respond with a 2-1 win of their own, as Harry Kane scored a late winner to take his Bundesliga goal tally to 27 in 23 games.