Xabi Alonso Prepares for Contrasting Anfield Return as Chelsea Manager
Xabi Alonso, known for his exceptional midfield prowess and long-range scoring ability, is set to return to Anfield, where he spent significant years as a Liverpool player. Alonso has previously managed Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, and now he takes the helm at Chelsea, the team that faced Liverpool in two Champions League semi-finals two decades ago.
The former Liverpool star has expressed eagerness to celebrate if Chelsea manages to score against Liverpool during their upcoming Carabao Cup encounter. Alonso faced challenging moments in 2024, including a 4-0 defeat with Leverkusen and a 1-0 loss with Real Madrid last year.
In his Liverpool days, Alonso contributed significantly to the team’s success, notably scoring the first goal in the famous comeback victory against AC Milan in “the miracle of Istanbul.” His departure in 2009 marked the start of a decline for the club. After leading Leverkusen to an impressive unbeaten double, he appeared to many as a potential future Liverpool manager, a role that has yet to materialize.
In January 2024, when Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to step down, Alonso was considered a strong candidate and, according to reports, Klopp seemed to endorse him as his successor. However, despite Bayern Munich showing interest in Alonso, Liverpool’s leadership did not pursue him. Instead, they appointed Arne Slot, who later moved on to win the Premier League title with his new club.
Following a tumultuous period at Real Madrid, where Alonso was unexpectedly dismissed in January, Liverpool fans began to envision him as a formidable alternative to Slot. Chelsea subsequently moved to hire Alonso, despite the historical rivalry that saw Alonso once injured by Frank Lampard during a tense match-up.
Liverpool, on their part, turned to Andoni Iraola, who represents a different coaching approach. Iraola’s hiring comes after his successful tenure at Bournemouth, while he shares a close friendship with Alonso dating back to their youth in San Sebastián.
With Alonso and Iraola now leading rival teams, the upcoming match promises to reignite historical rivalries and showcase the managerial prowess both bring to their clubs. Liverpool fans have high hopes, as they reflect on Alonso’s past successes, even as their current strategy differs from engaging a club legend as their head coach. The Carabao Cup clash will serve as an early measure of how both teams’ coaching decisions pay off this season.
