Liverpool have dismissed the idea that Xabi Alonso was the only contender for the managerial role, should he have expressed interest in Jurgen Klopp‘s job.
Despite his five-year history with The Reds during his playing days, a return to Anfield was never truly on the cards for the Spaniard. He chose not to entertain discussions about a potential return, instead committing his future to Bayer Leverkusen, reports the Mirror.
The 42-year-old former midfielder was seen by many as the frontrunner for the job. However, The Athletic say Liverpool deny that he would have been their sole choice if he had shown interest in succeeding Klopp.
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Alonso was a clear candidate for the job. But Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s chief executive of football, and the rest of the club’s hierarchy saw his appointment as unlikely.
Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s incoming sporting director, has a strong relationship with Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez, who also represents Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. They discussed the future of the ex-Real Madrid star before Hughes left the south coast club.
However, Ibanez was adamant that Alonso intended to stay with Leverkusen next season. As such, the Spaniard would have turned down any offer or proposal that would have led him to part ways with the German champions.
Would you have preferred Xabi Alonso to Arne Slot? Let us know in the comments section.
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Liverpool have confirmed that Slot was a top contender for the managerial role, along with Alonso. The Dutchman was officially announced on Monday as Klopp’s successor, marking the end of the German’s nine-year tenure at Anfield following their third-place finish.
Slot has penned a three-year contract, ushering in a new era for Liverpool. They will be participating in the newly restructured Champions League next season, having finished behind Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League table.