Manchester City had made a bold attempt to secure Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool managerial target, as Pep Guardiola’s assistant following Mikel Arteta’s departure to Arsenal four years ago.
Alonso, highly regarded by Liverpool as their potential next manager, was approached by Guardiola to fill Arteta’s shoes.
Talks ensued between the Spanish duo, considering Alonso’s successful playing stint under Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
However, despite serious consideration, Alonso declined the offer. At the time, he had just embarked on his first senior coaching role with Real Sociedad B and felt indebted to the La Liga club, opting for loyalty over the tempting offer.
Since then, Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder, has experienced a meteoric rise in his coaching career.
Within a mere two years, he was appointed as Bayer Leverkusen‘s coach and is currently steering the German outfit towards a surprising Bundesliga title bid.
His swift ascent has propelled him into the echelons of elite coaches, attracting attention from several top European clubs.
Liverpool, in particular, had earmarked him as the ideal successor to Jurgen Klopp, who is expected to step down at the season’s end.
Alonso Snubs City: Liverpool Face Munich
However, Liverpool’s aspirations of securing Alonso’s services might face competition from Bayern Munich.
The impending departure of Munich’s current manager, Thomas Tuchel, has opened the door for the club to pursue Alonso.
While Alonso has remained tight-lipped about his future beyond the current campaign, reports suggest that a move to Munich could be his preferred option for the next phase of his career.
This potential development comes as a setback for Liverpool, who are set to face Guardiola’s Manchester City in an upcoming fixture.
The scenario could have seen Alonso in the opposing dugout, highlighting the intricacies of managerial dynamics in top-flight football.
Alonso’s journey underscores his strategic decisions and rapid progression in the managerial realm.
His refusal of the City assistant role in favour of Real Sociedad B set the stage for his subsequent achievements, culminating in significant interest from European football powerhouses.
As the managerial landscape evolves, Alonso’s decisions could shape the future trajectory of top-tier football clubs, adding an intriguing layer to the ongoing managerial saga in European football.