Xabi Alonso – The Empire of The Kop

Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

Farrell Keeling — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:34:02 +0000

It wasn’t meant to be for Liverpool and beloved former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The ex-Spanish international footballer opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds came calling looking for a Jurgen Klopp successor.

Fabrizio Romano has since pointed to the 42-year-old’s ‘really special’ link to Real Madrid as one of several indications that he’ll one day be reunited with Los Blancos.

“Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has been very clear, telling the Spanish press that he 100% expects Xabi Alonso to become Real Madrid manager one day. Carro was very strong in his statement, saying he has no doubts that Alonso will be Real Madrid manager in the future,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside.

“Carro knows that Alonso is super attracted to a future with Real Madrid – this is the reality, as Alonso still loves all his former clubs, such as Bayern and Liverpool, but the feeling with Real Madrid, as a Spanish guy, is really special.

“You might also remember that when I told you about Alonso rejecting Bayern and Liverpool to stay at Leverkusen this summer, I told you that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big fan of Alonso – this is an important point. Perez is a big fan of Alonso as a person, and as a manager. He also believes he has the perfect style for Real Madrid and that his skills as a coach are fantastic.

“Perez is a super big fan of Alonso and this is why the feeling is that one day he will become Real Madrid manager.”

Leverkusen have since been crowned Bundesliga champions following a 5-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen.

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Will Xabi Alonso manage Liverpool one day?

It’s looking increasingly likely that Real Madrid will be the first of the former outfits to benefit from Alonso’s skillset.

Whether the opportunity then later arises to take over Liverpool is difficult to determine and dependent entirely on the success of Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Potentially even the man after that!

Bayer Leverkusen are ‘Neverkusen’ no more – (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

If it all works out with Amorim, should the Portuguese head coach say ‘yes’ to the role, of course, the heartbreak will be quickly forgotten.

Dean Jones’ latest update on the matter at least suggests talks could progress quickly.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Liverpool were agonisingly close to hiring Jurgen Klopp’s replacement before sudden U-turn – report

Liam Togher — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:32:27 +0000

Liverpool could already have confirmed Jurgen Klopp’s successor if it weren’t for an 11th-hour U-turn on the prospective new manager’s part.

Two-and-a-half months on from the German announcing his departure at the end of the season, the Reds are still on the lookout for his replacement, with Ruben Amorim seemingly the current frontrunner for the job.

Xabi Alonso had been the prime candidate until he voiced his ongoing commitment to Bayer Leverkusen a fortnight ago, yet it’s only now come to light how close the ex-LFC midfielder came to a return to Anfield.

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As reported by Steve Kay for Football Transfers on Friday, the 42-year-old was ‘on the brink of’ agreeing to become Liverpool’s next manager, only to then change his mind.

It’s claimed that he agreed to stay with the Bundesliga champions-elect on the basis that certain key players wouldn’t be sold in the summer, amid inevitable transfer interest given the team’s phenomenal season.

If indeed Alonso was on the verge of becoming the next Liverpool manager before a late change of mind, that represents an excruciating kick in the teeth for Reds fans.

Not only does his status as an Anfield idol from five excellent years as a player on Merseyside ensure that he’d have supporters on side straight away, his work in charge of Leverkusen has been nothing short of extraordinary.

They’re one win away from becoming Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history, ending the 11-year monopoly of Bayern Munich, while also being on course to potentially add the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.

Incredibly, they’ve yet to lose any of the 42 matches they’ve played in all competitions this season, breezing through a historic campaign which has made Alonso one of the most coveted coaches in world football.

It’s a case of so near and yet so far for Liverpool, but Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes can’t wallow in reget over what might have been. There’s still plenty to do in terms of securing the right candidate to take over from Klopp.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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(Video) ‘Fans love him’ – Danny Murphy wants Liverpool to hire ‘standout manager’; not Amorim

Liam Togher — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:01:38 +0000

Danny Murphy appears to be clinging to the hope that Liverpool will replace Jurgen Klopp with a manager who’s seemed to rule himself out of the running for the Anfield job.

Ever since long-time favourite Xabi Alonso reaffirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen in late March, Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon has assumed the mantle of apparent frontrunner to get the Merseyside gig.

However, speaking on the Ben Heath Podcast, the former Reds midfielder explained that he’d still like to see the Spaniard being handed the reins, due to his previous ties with LFC and his Zen-like touchline demeanour.

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Murphy said: “Alonso is the standout for me. Not that there won’t be guys out there who’ve got a bigger body of work and would be better in that respect, but fans love him. His connection with the club is key, he knows what the club is about, and the importance of that relationship with the fans, so you’re a step ahead.

“He plays good football – a little bit different, granted, but still good football. I actually like that his demeanour is different from Klopp, because if you try and bring someone in who’s like Klopp, it’s not going to work.

“He’s calm and quite humble. He’s more chilled. He seems like more of a thinker, someone who stands back and just watches. He’s not Arteta, he’s not Guardiola, he doesn’t bounce around like a Duracell bunny all the time.”

Plenty of Liverpool fans would probably have loved to see Alonso getting the job until his recent declaration of ongoing loyalty to Leverkusen, so unfortunately he now seems to be off the table as a viable successor to Klopp this year.

However, there’s nothing to say that the 42-year-old won’t be Liverpool manager further down the line, should his stock continue to rise off the back of an exceptional season at the BayArena.

You can view Murphy’s comments on Alonso below (from 1:41:20), via Ben Heath Podcast on YouTube:

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Liverpool could get ‘next Xabi Alonso’ with smart summer swoop for 6’3″ monster – report

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:48:46 +0000

Liverpool are understood to be interested in a potential swoop for highly-rated Schalke youngster Assan Ouedraogo this summer.

It remains unclear what positions will be prioritised in the squad ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s planned departure at the end of the current campaign.

“Elite midfielders always want the ball and often drop deep to get it, and Ouedraogo is no different, which is why he has also drawn comparisons with former Liverpool and Real Madrid playmaker Xabi Alonso,” James Westwood wrote for GOAL.

“But the Schalke midfielder is more of a natural No.8 than a No.6, and he has the potential to be a difference-maker in games with his eye for goal and incisive passing range.”

Intriguingly, the Reds aren’t the only outfit in the Premier League to recognise the 17-year-old’s talents.

The reporter went on to add: “Schalke have Ouedraogo tied to a contract through to 2027, but they could have a real fight on their hands to keep hold of their prized asset beyond the summer.

“A move to the Premier League is likely to be a viable option for the teenage playmaker, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all reportedly eyeing a swoop for his services, while he’s also attracting interest from Bayern Munich.”

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What do the stats say about Ouedraogo?

The 6’3″ midfielder has spent much of the current campaign recovering from a serious ligament tear and hamstring injury.

That’s not to suggest progress hasn’t been made in 2023/24 regardless, with the Germany youth international reportedly looking ‘sharp’ following his return to the pitch.

Albeit whilst playing second-tier football, the teenager ranks remarkably well amongst his peers for progressive work with the ball and attacking threat (via FBref).

There’s still a great deal of work to be done on the training ground in sharpening this rough-cut gem. It seems, however, like it will be very much worth the effort for any side willing to put in the time.

Liverpool wanted Xabi Alonso this summer… perhaps they could get a slice of him in Ouedraogo?

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘Earn your keep…’ – Collymore urges Edwards to secure manager who’d be a ‘perfect fit’ for LFC

Liam Togher — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:00:23 +0000

Stan Collymore has urged Michael Edwards not to give up on one long-standing reported candidate for the Liverpool manager’s job.

The Reds were dealt a hammer blow last week when long-time favourite Xabi Alonso publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season, which appeared to duly rule him out of the running to take over from Jurgen Klopp.

However, speaking to CaughtOffside, the former Reds striker insisted that Anfield chiefs shouldn’t simply resign themselves to defeat off the back of the 42-year-old’s comments, and instead must stop at nothing to try and land the Spaniard if he’s the one man they want above any other.

Collymore said: “It’s time for Liverpool to step up their pursuit. So what, he came out with an ‘I’m staying’ moment last week.

“Could you imagine a Real Madrid saying: ‘OK, we’ll leave you be then’? Absolutely not! They’d dig their heels in and make sure the world knows they’re going to get their man. That’s what Liverpool now need to do.

“It’s Alonso’s destiny. He’s a perfect fit, at the perfect time in Liverpool’s evolution, and with the greatest respect to Bayer Leverkusen, the only way is down after this season; so come on Michael Edwards, you’ve got the big job, the big title, so earn your keep and make it your mission to bring Alonso home.”

You can understand why Collymore is imploring Edwards and the Liverpool hierarchy not to give up just yet in the pursuit of Alonso, who incredibly has still yet to taste defeat with the Bundesliga champions-elect this season.

If every time a club wanted a player or manager and were shot down at the first attempt, the rate of transfers and coaching changes in football would be much more sparse than what it is in reality.

If Anfield chiefs refuse to take no for an answer and continue to pursue the Leverkusen boss, it’d send out the message that they don’t bow to anyone and won’t accept second best.

However, the danger in exerting excessive energy into going after a manager who’s declared their intentions to stay put is that precious time and effort could be wasted on a dead-end quest when it’d be far better spent on seeking out candidates who’d be more attainable.

Edwards and co putting all their eggs into the Alonso basket would be rather foolish, but Collymore has a point in saying that the Liverpool hierarchy ought not to submissively strike the Spaniard off their list just because he’s voiced a commitment to his current club.

Will the Reds’ CEO of Football heed the request? Let’s wait and see.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, Mac Allister the difference-maker? And much more!

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Exclusive: ‘the Liverpool job is a dream job but…’ why Alonso may have said no to the Reds – Fjortoft

Peter Kenny Jones — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:45:03 +0000

Xabi Alonso’s chances of becoming Liverpool manager this summer are now over and there may have been one key reason why it wasn’t the right time to take the job.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack about the Spaniard’s decision, Jan Age Fjortoft said: ‘The Liverpool job is a dream job but I’m not sure that the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp is a dream job.

‘I’m not saying that Alonso thought that because I don’t know, I have no idea. The Liverpool job will always be one of the greatest in football and any manager would want that job but replacing Klopp could be the only negative thing, which is a vital thing.’

It could be a blessing and a curse that Jurgen Klopp has been so phenomenally successful at Anfield, due to the long history of failure for those following legendary coaches.

We know very well in Bob Paisley that it’s not always off the cards to improve on near perfection but the role of the German being so loved on Merseyside, could put some off.

We can only take the comments of our former midfielder for granted though and it seems like his main motivation was to continue to develop at Leverkusen and try to win more silverware in Germany.

It may well be the case that next summer sees Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lining up to land the signature of the World Cup winner.

Let’s hope that the Reds aren’t part of this queue, as it will mean whoever has replaced the man currently in the hot-seat will have had a successful first year.

EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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Exclusive: ‘9 of 10 managers would…’ in Xabi Alonso’s position this summer – Fjortoft

Peter Kenny Jones — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 10:56:50 +0000

Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen past this summer has thrown Liverpool’s hunt for a new manager in the air and and it was a choice that not many would have made.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack about the Spaniard’s decision, Jan Age Fjortoft said: ‘I’m not sure that I would do the same, I think that 9 of 10 managers would think, ‘wow, Bayern and Liverpool want us – I will run, I will swim over the English channel to get to Liverpool!’ But Alonso is different.’

It’s testament to the integrity of our former player that he has said no to two job opportunities that most managers would kill to be given a sniff at.

Instead of jumping from job to job and jeopardising the work that’s currently being done in the Bundesliga, the 42-year-old has chose to develop his skills further before taking the next step.

As much as we should applaud the former midfielder’s decision to remain loyal and to honour his contract, it does mean that we’re unlikely to see him sat in the Anfield dugout as our boss.

It’s a decision that will ironically make the World Cup winner gain more respect from the two clubs who are most disappointed by his decision.

An ideal world means that we won’t even need to consider the prospect of our former No.14 being our head coach next summer as our new man will be in the midst of a successful spell on Merseyside.

The only worry is that it paves the way for a move to Real Madrid in 2025 and a long reign of success at the Bernabeu.

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Exclusive: ‘Don’t believe this stuff’ about Alonso’s decision – Fjortoft

Peter Kenny Jones — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 10:26:11 +0000

Liverpool fans were growing in the expectation that Xabi Alonso would become our new manager but the news that he will be staying at Leverkusen for another year has ended this hope.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack about the Spaniard’s decision, Jan Age Fjortoft said: ‘Don’t believe this stuff that he picked Bayern ahead of Liverpool, that you will have heard. It’s not true, it’s not true.

‘That has never been on his agenda. Of course, he would have talked about this, like everybody else, with his friends or whatever.

‘We don’t know what was said but he’s been very, very professional and he’s talked this through with Leverkusen and he has chosen to stay another year, which is not a surprise for me at all.’

There have been so many stories written about our former midfielder but it seems that we can rule out thoughts that a preference for Bayern Munich was made.

Instead, it’s only ever been a case of assessing options for the 42-year-old and the overriding decision was another year with his current club in the Bundesliga.

With Jurgen Klopp leaving this summer, it seems clear that our paths won’t align with the former Real Madrid man for many years – if ever.

Although disappointment will be present, we should also applaud his decision to honour a contract with a club that gave him a chance.

For us, it’s all about looking towards the future now and other possible options.

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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(Video) Everything Jurgen Klopp had to say about Xabi Alonso’s bombshell announcement

Peter Kenny Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:08:48 +0000

It looked increasingly likely that Xabi Alonso was being lined up to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool but his public announcement to stay at Bayer Leverkusen has ended these rumours.

Speaking about the Spaniard’s decision, our boss said: “One part I can speak about, a young manager being at a club where he’s doing really well. I was in a similar situation, and did pretty much the same if you want. And never regretted it. That’s pretty much everything I can say about it.

“Xabi is doing an incredible job there. Leverkusen has a good team, will probably keep their team together. I think that’s a possibility, not every year is like that.

“I understand that he wants to do that. For the other stuff, there’s nothing I have to say to be honest.

“I cannot think myself anymore in that situation. Do you think he is staying at Leverkusen because he thinks it is too quick?

“I don’t think you can compare. Leverkusen are really impressive. It’s not he just built on last year. He put an idea on the pitch. They stick to it and are incredible.

“They created a mentality which is really special. We won a lot of late games, they won a lot of late games. It’s crazy. You cannot say for former players it is like this or like that. For some it might be too early, for others not. I don’t know.”

It was an honest answer from the 56-year-old who was clearly remembering his decision to remain with Mainz at the start of his career.

Our current manager is clearly a big fan of our former player and we may well see the pair meet in the Europa League final, in what would be the end of one story and a mid-way point for another.

You can watch Klopp’s comments on Alonso (from 0:28) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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(Video) Xabi Alonso delivers statement that will end Liverpool fans’ dreams of Anfield arrival

Peter Kenny Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:25:30 +0000

Many Liverpool fans wanted Xabi Alonso to be the man who replaced Jurgen Klopp this summer but he has now confirmed the news that had been circling before his press conference.

Speaking to the media, the Spaniard said: “Last week I had a meeting [with club officials] and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

“After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach. My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great … it’s all fantastic here.

“All my cards on the table. I have thought about the decision because you need to reflect well. Once I took it I felt I needed to share it with everyone. It is a sign of respect. I informed the players at a team talk this morning. We have prepared in a normal way.

“You guys did a lot of speculation – even since last May! It’s part of the business, and I haven’t been stressed by it. It was important it wasn’t affecting the team and the mentality of the team was good. Everything is clear.”

That’s it then, we can rule out the 42-year-old to be taking over at Anfield and the search will go on for Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to find a new candidate.

As a former player and fan favourite as a Red, we can only wish the ex-midfielder all the best for the future and perhaps our paths will cross before the end of this campaign.

You can watch Alonso’s comments (from 7:40) via Bayer 04 Leverkusen on YouTube:

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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‘BREAKING: Xabi Alonso, set to…’ – Romano delivers new manager news amid Liverpool interest

Peter Kenny Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:59:23 +0000

Liverpool fans had been dreaming of Xabi Alonso becoming our new manager and there’s been several updates that claim major developments in this story.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X: ‘BREAKING: Xabi Alonso, set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen with announcement to follow in public.

‘Decision made and confirmed for Xabi who’s staying for one more season. Release clause in 2025 will be active. Liverpool and Bayern are both informed of Xabi’s decision.’

It seems then that, after Paul Joyce also confirmed that the Spaniard was out of the running for a move this summer, we are set to see him stay in Germany for another season.

It’s big news but something that should mean we have more respect for the former midfielder, as he clearly wants to honour his contract at a club who gave him a chance.

For us, it’s terrible news as we all hope that next summer we will be in the midst of a new manager’s reign and so we’re highly unlikely to be the destination for 42-year-old.

The only way in which the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player could become a Red, would be if we have a bad maiden campaign under a new boss and are on the lookout for an early replacement.

That would mean a lack of success next year and so this is the very worst case scenario to even contemplate.

Now, it looks like all attention will be turning to Ruben Amorim & Roberto De Zerbi but with the knowledge we have time for new candidates to be considered.

You can view the Alonso update via @FabrizioRomano on X:

BREAKING: Xabi Alonso, set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen with announcement to follow in public.

Decision made and confirmed for Xabi who’s staying for one more season.

Release clause in 2025 will be active.

Liverpool and Bayern are both informed of Xabi’s decision. pic.twitter.com/ffWVTRylka

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2024

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Paul Joyce delivers Alonso hammer blow with Xabi ‘unlikely’ to be Klopp’s successor

Peter Kenny Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:37:43 +0000

It seemed like the feeling was growing that Xabi Alonso would be the next manager of Liverpool but we have been dealt a hammer blow to these dreams.

Writing for The Times, Paul Joyce reported: ‘Xabi Alonso is unlikely to feature on the final shortlist to become Jürgen Klopp’s successor as Liverpool believe the Spaniard will not be available this summer.’

When it comes to sources around our club, there are few (if any) more reliable than the northern football correspondent and so we should all be taking huge notice of this report.

It appears that a desire to stay at Bayer Leverkusen is what is making it hard for Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to envisage that the Spaniard would want an Anfield move this summer.

The 42-year-old is on the brink of winning the title in Germany and his commitment to fulfilling his contract in the Bundesliga is admirable.

Bayern Munich will still hold hope of prizing our former midfielder away from the team sat above them in the league and let’s hope that they are unable to do so.

We will now be left looking for other options and although there’s no doubt that we will end up with a suitable candidate, it’s hard not to feel disappointed with this update.

The search goes on, seemingly without a man who seemed in many ways the perfect fit for the Reds.

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Xabi Alonso latest: What Bayern honcho is now saying about manager search

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:03:39 +0000

Bayern Munich remain committed to their pursuit of Xabi Alonso this summer.

The club’s sporting director, Max Eberl, told Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg that the Bavarians were hoping to conclude their search in April.

Should the incumbent Bundesliga holders fail to convince the Spanish head coach to take up the role in question, Roberto De Zerbi would be the next candidate on the list.

Exclusive Max Eberl – The new Bayern boss about the schedule in the search for a coach:

„As soon as possible! We're now entering April. It would be nice if we could manage it in April. Without having an ultimate day. If it takes longer, then it takes a bit longer. We want to… pic.twitter.com/83qT9GLPQl

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 28, 2024

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Alonso’s future is still up in the air

Well, in the space of a week it seems we’ve gone from ‘Alonso is definitely going to Bayern’ to ‘well, nobody really can say for sure’.

It’s not entirely surprising given that the 42-year-old is notoriously tight-lipped over his career pathway – just ask Guillem Balague!

That’s not to suggest Liverpool are the more likely option to snag their former player’s signature and services for the foreseeable future either!

The options of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen or a return to Anfield all carry some merit. Only time will tell which project proves the most appealing!

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Next Liverpool manager: David Ornstein lifts lid on Xabi Alonso latest amid three-way tug of war

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:34:34 +0000

Xabi Alonso has yet to make a definitive decision over his managerial future, according to David Ornstein.

The reporter had been responding to a fan query in an Athletic Q&A, with it emphasised that both Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen represent ‘strong options’ available to the Spaniard.

Reports originating from Germany have asserted, with varying degrees of confidence, that the Spaniard is leaning towards a switch to Munich.

UPDATE: @David_Ornstein on Xabi Alonso:

"I don't know of any definitive decision being made yet but clearly Liverpool have known from the start that Alonso staying at Leverkusen or moving to Bayern are also strong options available to him." pic.twitter.com/bAA86LtePR

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 28, 2024

UPDATE: @David_Ornstein on Alonso cont'd:

"So there is no guarantee he comes to Liverpool and I'm sure the club will be calm with that possibility.

"That's why they are conducting a proper process and I'm sure whatever happens – and regardless of whether or not it is Alonso -…

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 28, 2024

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Is there a world in which Xabi Alonso isn’t the right choice?

Much is rightly made (to a certain extent) of Alonso’s limited managerial experience.

Playing devil’s advocate, the 42-year-old has only been involved in senior management since October 2022.

Alonso’s rise has been rapid – (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Even Ruben Amorim (three years his junior), another candidate on Liverpool’s shortlist, has considerably more senior managerial experience.

The flip side

The flip side of the equation is that what Alonso has achieved in his short stint in senior management is nothing short of phenomenal.

Leverkusen were second from bottom when the former Real Sociedad B boss took over the reins. Now look at the Bundesliga outfit!

The side dubbed ‘Neverkusen’ could feasibly end the season as Bundesliga, Europa League and DFB Pokal winners.

Though Liverpool might have something to say about that if the pair meet in Europe.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Xabi Alonso’s future could go public in 3-4 weeks after “saying yes” to Liverpool

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:23:36 +0000

Xabi Alonso’s future could become crystal clear in the next few weeks.

Guillem Balague now reports on X (formerly Twitter) that the Spaniard ‘is determined to choose his future’ in the next month or so.

This comes amid reported interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the 42-year-old’s services.

Xabi Alonso is determined to choose his future in the next 3-4 weeks. Nothing is decided yet, nothing at all

First, four big games ahead to be played (Hoffenheim in the league, semis of the cup against Dusserldorf, Union Berlin in the league, quarters of the EL vs West Ham).… pic.twitter.com/areb7dGHLs

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) March 28, 2024

The Reds and the Bavarians would certainly benefit most from a decision to step away from Bayer Leverkusen given their respective managers will depart their roles in the summer.

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Addressing Balague’s assessment of Liverpool

We’re a big fan of Balague, it’s worth pointing out, though we think he’s got his assessment of Liverpool at least partially wrong.

‘Can Liverpool step up from where it is now?’

Well… that’s kind of on the manager, isn’t it? That aside, we’ve genuinely got a world-class setup at the club that has been further bolstered by the arrivals of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.

Richard Hughes will lead the search for a new Liverpool manager

Couple that with a young squad bursting with ability and potential and it’s clear this Liverpool side is a rocket ship waiting to take off.

The question isn’t ‘can Liverpool step up’… but rather can Alonso be the man to step up to the plate?

Richard Keys says Alonso is going to Liverpool

Keys’ claim might be one to take with a pinch of salt, but here goes.

“As I always say when I share news like this – these big deals can always go wrong. There’s a lot to go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or coach/manager involved, but my information is that Alonso has decided on Liverpool. If I’m a Liverpool fan – that excites me,” the beIN Sports journalist was quoted as saying.

It remains to be seen whether the former Sky Sports reporter is vaguely on the money here. That said, it’s indeed VERY exciting news if so.

We’ll just have to wait and see what comes out in the coming weeks from our former player.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

The post Xabi Alonso’s future could go public in 3-4 weeks after “saying yes” to Liverpool appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.