Xabi Alonso has reportedly turned down an approach to become Marseille's new head coach, citing the "chaotic" nature of the Ligue 1 giants as his reason for dismissing the prospect. The former Real Madrid boss is seeking a more stable project after his short-lived stint at the Bernabeu, with a potential vacancy at his former club Liverpool appearing on the horizon as pressure builds on Arne Slot.
Manchester City have added former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso to a three-man shortlist to potentially replace Pep Guardiola as manager, if the Spaniard leaves the club at the end of the season. There is a growing belief that the former Barcelona boss will depart once the campaign is over, and City are already putting together a succession plan.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly held crunch personal talks with Jude Bellingham and four other stars to demand an immediate change in attitude following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The intervention from the Bernabeu chief is credited with sparking the club's recent revival under Alvaro Arbeloa, with key figures now accepting roles they previously complained about to save their season.
Xabi Alonso has reportedly received a “first call” from Liverpool, with his interest in a future managerial role on Merseyside being sounded out. The World Cup winner is available at present after seeing a testing spell in charge of Real Madrid cut short after seven months. Arne Slot continues to oversee events at Anfield for now, but questions are being asked of his future.
Alvaro Arbeloa has navigated a turbulent start to life in the Real Madrid dugout, with details emerging of a significant tactical and cultural shift from the Xabi Alonso era. Reports from the Spanish capital reveal that the dressing room has responded positively to Arbeloa’s "direct" methods, while a hostile reception from the Bernabeu has had the unexpected consequence of uniting a fractured squad following their Copa del Rey humiliation.
Virgil van Dijk says it was “disrespectful” for Arne Slot to be asked about speculation linking Xabi Alonso with his job as Liverpool manager. The Reds boss laughed off what he described as “one of the weirdest questions” in the build up to his side’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday - but his compatriot has now criticised the journalist who asked it.
Gareth Bale has pinpointed exactly why Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid ended in failure, claiming the Spaniard fell short in one crucial area despite his tactical brilliance. The five-time Champions League winner believes the unique pressure of the Santiago Bernabeu requires a "manager" capable of handling fragile egos rather than a tactical "coach", a nuance he suggests proved fatal for his former colleague.
Arne Slot joked he would be losing his job at Liverpool to Xabi Alonso during a bizarre moment in a pre-match press conference ahead of his side's clash with Marseille in the Champions League. The Dutchman led the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Anfield but things have been tougher in his second season. Alonso, meanwhile, recently left Real Madrid after struggling to implement his tactical ideology on the star-studded squad at the Bernabeu.
It has been revealed when Xabi Alonso will look to get back into management following his shock sacking by Real Madrid. The 44-year-old lasted just seven months, taking in 34 games, at the Bernabeu before being relieved of his duties. He is already being linked with other clubs, including a few in the Premier League, but will not be rushing into another role.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Xabi Alonso’s shock sacking by Real Madrid, which may yet impact his own future at Anfield, with the Dutchman claiming to have “no clue” if a modern penchant for sporting directors is to blame for big clubs being so quick to part with head coaches when times get tough. Real, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made changes in their respective dugouts early in 2026.
Jurgen Klopp gave a hilarious reaction to an interviewer’s cheeky remark about Real Madrid as the German continues to be linked with the Bernabeu hotseat. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has seen his name crop up among the list of reported candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso, who was sacked after less than eight months in charge of the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to restart contract talks with Vinicius Junior following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos have made another change in their dugout after generating plenty of unfortunate headlines across the 2025-26 campaign. Many of those have focused on Brazilian superstar Vini, with the South American shelving discussions regarding an extended stay at the Bernabeu.
Manchester City fans sure have enjoyed watching Manchester United’s demise over the past 13 years, with each new coach that has failed at Old Trafford giving the Blues plenty of fresh material to sing about on the terraces.
Lyon loanee Endrick has delivered his verdict on Xabi Alonso's sacking at Real Madrid. The young Brazilian didn't get much of a look-in under the Spaniard at Los Blancos, hence why he was loaned out to the French side for the second half of the season. Now that the dust is beginning to settle on Alonso's departure, the forward has given his true feelings on the 44-year-old.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has offered some insight into his success with Los Blancos. The Frenchman won the Champions League three times during his time in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu as well as claiming two La Liga titles. Madrid are currently in the midst of a difficult season after sacking Xabi Alonso midway through his first campaign as boss and replacing him with Alvaro Arbeloa.
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