Xabi Alonso turns down the French giant

Xabi Alonso declined Marseille following his departure from Real Madrid, anticipating a big chance in the upcoming summer amid speculation linking him to Liverpool and Manchester City.

It has been six weeks since Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid agreed to terminate their contract after a brief seven-month spell at the Bernabeu. Although he did not leave a strong professional mark as expected, the 44-year-old coach’s status in the managerial market remains intact.

According to RMC Sport, Marseille quickly approached Alonso after accepting Roberto De Zerbi’s resignation. The French club viewed the former Spanish midfielder as an ideal candidate to rebuild their ambitions. However, Alonso declined the offer. He does not want to rush back to coaching, especially after a stressful period at Real Madrid. Ultimately, Marseille appointed Habib Beye as head coach.

The decision to take a break indicates Alonso is carefully considering his next career move. Despite an unsuccessful stint at the Bernabeu, experts still highly regard his modern football philosophy, ability to build play, and tactical flexibility. Therefore, it is no surprise Alonso is predicted to be one of the hottest names in the coaching market this coming summer.

In the Premier League, Liverpool is reportedly monitoring Alonso as a potential replacement for Arne Slot. Additionally, Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain, and if the Etihad position becomes vacant, Alonso could be a strong candidate.

The prospect of returning to England is especially notable since Alonso had a successful playing career with Liverpool. His familiarity with the Premier League environment and reputation among professionals make him an attractive choice for many top clubs.

Currently, Alonso is enjoying a necessary break after a tense period. However, given his reputation and potential, his return to a high-profile club is likely only a matter of time.