Xabi Alonso advised to reject Liverpool and wait for Real Madrid job
The ongoing saga surrounding Xabi Alonso’s potential transition into managerial waters has taken yet another intriguing turn. Amidst heavy speculation linking the former Real Madrid star with a nostalgic return to Liverpool, where he could potentially succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Alonso finds himself at a crossroads. Despite the allure of a return to the Premier League giants, the Basque tactician has remained steadfast in evading inquiries regarding his future, particularly as Bayer Leverkusen mounts a serious bid for their maiden Bundesliga crown.
Alonso’s existing contract with Bayer Leverkusen stretches until 2026, meaning any potential move to Liverpool would necessitate a significant compensation package to pry him away from his current obligations. While rumors previously swirled about a potential reunion with Real Madrid, those speculations have dwindled in recent months, particularly following Carlo Ancelotti’s contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s decision to spurn the opportunity to helm the Brazil national team in favor of remaining in Madrid, with a freshly inked deal extending his tenure until 2026, has further complicated Alonso’s potential career trajectory. Despite the tantalizing prospect of a return to Liverpool, Reiner Calmund, the former managing director of Bayer Leverkusen, has offered counsel to Alonso, urging him to remain in Germany and bide his time for an opportunity to succeed Ancelotti.
Calmund’s sentiments reflect a belief that Alonso’s coaching journey should continue at Bayer Leverkusen, at least for the immediate future. Drawing on Alonso’s illustrious playing career, which saw him capture numerous accolades, including the Champions League with Real Madrid, Calmund suggests that with Ancelotti’s secured position, there’s currently no imminent threat to Alonso’s managerial ambitions.
Rather than hastening towards a move to Liverpool as Klopp’s successor, Calmund proposes a more patient approach for Alonso, advocating for him to solidify his coaching credentials at Bayer Leverkusen for another season or two before potentially stepping into Ancelotti’s shoes.
The final decision regarding Alonso’s future remains on hold until at least June. At present, Bayer Leverkusen finds themselves comfortably positioned atop the Bundesliga standings, boasting a ten-point lead, while also navigating their way through the knockout rounds of the DfB Pokal and the UEFA Europa League. This continued success only adds layers of complexity to Alonso’s managerial conundrum as he weighs his options and contemplates his next career move.