09 March 2024 , 14:42
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Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could have been in the opposition dugout at Anfield on Sunday, but turned down the opportunity to join Manchester City.
The Daily Star reports that Alonso, who is among the contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, was approached by Pep Guardiola and Co when Mikel Arteta departed the club for Arsenal. The former Barcelona boss identified his countryman as the ideal replacement for Arteta.
The ex-Real Madrid and Spain star played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich and held talks about a possible reunion. While the role is said to have interested the 42-year-old, he ultimately decided to decline the offer.
When Arsenal appointed Arteta in December 2019, Alonso had not long taken charge of Real Sociedad's B team in his first managerial role. He had previously been a coach of Real Madrid under-14s before heading back to the team where he began his playing career.
Alonso's impressive stint in charge of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen has seen him become one of the most sought-after coaches in world football. Having arrived in Leverkusen with the club second bottom in October 2022, Leverkusen are now in pole position to win the title in Germany.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
Alonso has also been linked with replacing Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich. The German coach's departure at the end of the season has already been confirmed with Bayern struggling to keep up with Alonso's side.
The former Reds' midfielder's exploits have certainly impressed current Liverpool boss Klopp. "Xabi is doing an incredible job,” he said in February.
“If there would not be the rumours around, that’s completely independent. If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso I would have gone: ‘Oh my God.’
Xabi Alonso remains a candidate to take over at Liverpool (Getty Images)"The dinosaurs if you want – Ancelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola, maybe me – we will not do it for the next 20 years. OK, maybe Mourinho will. The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is standout in that department.
“Former world-class player, from a coaching family as well which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing. The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional. I played a long time in the Bundesliga and it is super impressive. Not only the points tally but the way they play."
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