Chelsea Officially Announces Xabi Alonso As Manager

When Jurgen Klopp announced his retirement two seasons ago, the name at the top of many wish lists was former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso. Not only would the former star instantly connect with the Anfield crowd, but he was also coming off a phenomenal season, going undefeated in a Bundesliga-winning season season with Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Liverpool went with Arne Slot and Xabi went off to Real Madrid after another year at Leverkusen. That worked out well until it didn’t, and Xabi was once again seen as the heir apparent to take over once again.

And then Chelsea happened.

The good news, I guess, is that he’ll probably be available again mid-season, given Chelsea’s standard rate of going through managers.

That said, it’s not a good look for Liverpool’s management, who are facing backlash from current and former Liverpool legends, and a significant portion of the fanbase who are sick of sitting through turgid, uninspiring football.

Obviously there are other managers out there, but not many who tick so many boxes as Xabi would have. Aside from his obvious talent as a manager, he would’ve instantly united the Liverpool fanbase, and would’ve been given a lot of leeway and time in order to set things right next season.

As it stands, even if Liverpool stick with Arne Slot, it’s difficult to see a way back for the embattled manager. How long would his leash be next season, for example, if the performances and results are not instantly better from the opening kick of the season? And it’s not like there’s another Jurgen Klopp ready to step in midseason like the last Jurgen Klopp did in October of 2015.