Liverpool have been handed boost in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are both eyeing Xabi Alonso as their next manager, but the German side are now considering Feyenoord’s boss, who could be ideal for the Reds.
Bayern Munich’s search for a new manager may shift away from Xabi Alonso.
The Bavarians, who are in need of a replacement for Thomas Tuchel, set to depart at the end of the season, had identified Alonso as a top candidate. Alonso, having previously played for Bayern, is seen as someone who could potentially end their Bundesliga dominance with Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool are also interested in Alonso, who has a history at Anfield, setting the stage for a potential tug-of-war between the two European giants.
However, according to AZ, Bayern might explore the possibility of appointing Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as their next manager. Slot, aged 45, has been steadily gaining recognition in Rotterdam.
Since taking charge of the Eredivisie outfit in 2021, Slot led them to a league title last season. Additionally, he has made significant strides in European competitions, guiding Feyenoord to the final of the Europa Conference League’s inaugural edition, where they faced defeat against Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Tottenham had their sights set on the Dutchman last summer, but he opted to extend his stay with Feyenoord instead. Slot has emphasised that when he eventually departs, it will be for a club beyond the Netherlands, having previously managed AZ Alkmaar in his career.
He said last summer: “My next step will not be a club in Holland. If that is my next step, then I’ve failed completely. The normal next step will be to go abroad and I’ve always said the best league in the world is the Premier League.”
Earlier this year, Alonso has already shown signs of wanting to distance himself from a potential exit from Leverkusen when questioned about it: “I have nothing new to say about that. I wanted to say that in advance. Right now I’m the coach here, that’s for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we’ll see.”
Alonso’s potential encounter with Liverpool in the Europa League remains a possibility, as both teams are considered frontrunners for the competition. His current team, a German outfit, stand alongside the Reds as top contenders.
The Spaniard has already showcased his abilities to Bayern firsthand. During a recent title match against Leverkusen, his team suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Regarding Bayern’s managerial search, Chairman Herbert Hainer has made statements: “We have replaced three coaches in a not-so-long time frame. We want to work with a coach for the long haul. Hence, he will take our time thinking about it and analysing — and hopefully, hire the right one.”
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