Xabi Alonso’s Surprise Move to Chelsea Draws Attention
Liverpool supporters largely anticipated that Xabi Alonso would be the top choice if Arne Slot were to be dismissed from his position as head coach last season.
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This summer, however, the former Liverpool midfielder took a surprising step by accepting the head coach role at Chelsea. Shortly after, Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot, leading many to believe they missed an opportunity to secure Alonso.
The club quickly appointed Andoni Iraola, who had recently led AFC Bournemouth to their first-ever European football qualification.
While this decision raised eyebrows, it appears that Liverpool had a plan in mind, especially considering Alonso’s choice to reject a return to Anfield two years prior.
Amidst these developments, former Chelsea player Pat Nevin shared his thoughts with Anfield Index, suggesting alternative perspectives on whether Liverpool truly wanted Alonso.
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Was Liverpool Interested in Alonso?
When questioned about his surprise regarding Alonso’s absence from Liverpool, Nevin responded decisively. He stated, “Timing is everything. I have a suspicion that had he been available when Liverpool made their decision, he would be the Liverpool manager right now.”
He added, “That’s taking nothing away from Iraola. It’s just the fact that Xabi Alonso has done very, very well. He’s built a good background for himself and he’s got that love of Liverpool Football Club, so it would have fitted really nicely.”
According to Nevin, “But football’s like that and life is like that. Opportunities come at weird times. I understand why he took it at Chelsea and I don’t think it’ll affect him in a negative way. I still think he’ll be completely focused, even when we’re playing against Liverpool; there’s always that little bit of edge. I still think he’ll want to get one over on his old club.”
Photo: IMAGO
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It will certainly be unusual to see Alonso, who was once central to the intense rivalry between the two teams, managing from the Stamford Bridge sidelines.
As Liverpool embarks on a new chapter under Andoni Iraola, excitement builds for the upcoming season. The matchups between the two clubs now carry a fresh narrative that promises to add intrigue.
Former Chelsea Star Makes Interesting Xabi Alonso Claim
Liverpool fans spent most of last season expecting Xabi Alonso to be the number one target, should Arne Slot be removed from his position as head coach.
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Fast forward to this summer, the former Liverpool midfielder was appointed Chelsea head coach in a surprise move. Weeks later, Liverpool removed Arne Slot from his role, with many believing they had missed a trick in moving for Alonso.
Instead, the Anfield hierarchy moved quick to appoint Andoni Iraola, who had just guided AFC Bournemouth to European football for the first time in the club’s history.
Eyebrows were raised, but you have to believe that it was all planned and Liverpool were more than happy to pass on Alonso, especially after the Spaniard turned down a return to Anfield two years earlier.
However, former Chelsea star Pat Nevin, who spoke to Anfield Index, believes this wasn’t necessarily the case…
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Did Liverpool Want Alonso?
When asked whether he was surprised that Xabi Alonso didn’t return to Liverpool, Nevin gave a firm response. He said: “Timing is everything. I have a suspicion that had he been available when Liverpool made their decision, he would be the Liverpool manager right now.”
“That’s taking nothing away from Iraola. It’s just the fact that Xabi Alonso has done very, very well. He’s built a good background for himself and he’s got that love of Liverpool Football Club, so it would have fitted really nicely.”
“But football’s like that and life is like that. Opportunities come at weird times. I understand why he took it at Chelsea and I don’t think it’ll affect him in a negative way. I still think he’ll be completely focused, even when we’re playing against Liverpool, there’s always that little bit of edge. I still think he’ll want to get one over on his old club.”
Photo: IMAGO
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It’s certainly going to be strange seeing Alonso, who was once part of the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, sat in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
But Liverpool are now set for a new era under Andoni Iraola, which is going to be really exciting. Let’s see how the season unfolds and the clashes between the two clubs has just developed a whole new narrative, which will be an interesting watch.
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