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Xabi Alonso Will be Liverpool Manager

As Bayer Leverkusen march towards the 2023/24 Bundesliga title, their manager, Xabi Alonso, took it upon himself to declare his intention to remain their next season, which is superb news for the German league leaders. Following the bombshell news earlier in the year, that Jürgen Klopp would be stepping down from his Anfield post at the close of this campaign, many assumed that an emotional return of the former midfielder would be engineered at some point before the end of this season. Despite having such a short duration as a senior club manager, the emphatic performances of Bayer Leverkusen had many place the 42-year-old as the clear and obvious replacement, however, logic has now prevailed and a defence of the incoming German league title has been confirmed by the former Bayern Munich star. Rúben Amorim is now the front runner to succeed the outgoing Liverpool manager, though that does not close the door for a return of Alonso at some point in the future.

Why Has Xabi Alonso Decided to Stay with Leverkusen…?

I believe the young head coach has looked at the management careers of players that he once shared the same pitch with, something which has ultimately resulted in a more cautious approach. Both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard enjoyed very impressive starts to their respective management careers, with the Liverpool legend especially enjoying an incredible stint at Rangers. Once the dust settled on a trophy laden season, clubs started to circle and eventually the former Anfield skipper landed at Aston Villa. That huge jump in class and expectation brought the rise of the aspiring head coach to a spectacular halt, which currently sees him struggling to rebuild his off-field career in Saudi Arabia. The ferocious pace of the Premier League came too soon for a man with such limited pitch side experience, which is absolutely something that can be levelled at the disastrous top flight management career of Frank Lampard. Despite enjoying a solid start with Derby County in the Championship, both the former England midfielders chose the huge opportunity roles that were offered them, when a more measured approach would have allowed them time to build into what they should have become.

José Mourinho has been quoted as saying that Xabi Alonso is an immensely talented young manager, one that will one day make it to the top of the evolving tactical game. The choice to ignore the overtures of Liverpool and Bayern Munich, point to a man that is fully confident in his abilities to one day become the boss of a major European club. Many mistakes and poor choices will have to be made and overcome by the former Madrid man, which can be undertaken before his next big leap. Once the Bundesliga title is wrapped up, a season of defence and a tantalising journey into the Champions League can be carried out with a team where he can continue to grow. I sense the summer 2024/25 will then be the moment for Alonso to move upwards, with Real Madrid his best next landing spot. After another full season of domestic and European adventures, only then will the legendary Spain midfielder be prepared for an elite club and more importantly, an elite roster of players.

Why Would Heading to Real Madrid in 2025 Make More Sense…?

I expect most of the players below will be those waiting for Xabi Alonso to succeed Carlo Ancelotti after next season.

Thibaut Courtois

Éder Militão

David Alaba

Antonio Rüdiger

Leny Yoro (expected recruit)

Ferland Mendy

Alphonso Davies (expected recruit)

Daniel Carvajal

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Federico Valverde

Eduardo Camavinga

Jude Bellingham

Brahim Díaz

Vinicius Junior

Endrick

Rodrygo

Kylian Mbappé (expected recruit)

Above is a sensational group of footballers about to enter their prime, with enough experienced operators to ensure consistency in the group. To take on this job would be any manager’s dream, which is another reason why I think Xabi will wait for Madrid and continue to grow in the interim. Even if the former red were to take that huge post and stay at the Bernabéu beyond 2030, the timeline would still make him younger and less experienced than when Jürgen Klopp arrived on Merseyside. In 2015, the former Borussia Dortmund man has spent fourteen years honing his craft and that is exactly what I hope Xabi Alonso will do. One more year of development with the club that gave him his opportunity, can then be followed by a blockbuster move to La Liga. After those two clubs have been navigated, Michael Edwards could then start looking at the timeline that would bring the former Champions League winner back to Anfield.

Rúben Amorim could well become be the next Liverpool manager and achieve unbelievable success. His own future aspirations may one day take him to Madrid or Barcelona, at which point I could see a long-awaited return of the man meany though would be back this summer.

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