Xabi Alonso was a hot figure for Liverpool owners FSG, but they have changed their stance on him.
Despite vocal calls from fans for the former Reds midfielder to take over the reins at Anfield as the season faltered under manager Arne Slott, the club’s hierarchy ultimately closed the door on a romantic return.
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FSG didn’t like being turned down by Xabi Alonso
The roots of the sudden change in attitude in the boardroom can be traced back to manager Jurgen Klopp’s desperate search for a successor.
Liverpool’s American ownership group were incredibly keen to bring the former playmaker, who won an historic unbeaten domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen, back to Merseyside.
However, Alonso famously rejected the move, choosing to remain in Germany for a short period before moving to Real Madrid.
The rejection left lingering bitterness in Boston, as reported by Sam Wallace of the Telegraph. Mr. Wallace revealed:
“FSG were supposed to appoint Alonso to Jurgen Klopp’s post, but Alonso’s turning down Liverpool and then waiting another year for Real Madrid to become available appears to have made a deep impression on FSG. It is understood that they have no plans to replace Slott this summer.”
Being treated as Real Madrid’s second choice clearly hurt the pride of the decision-makers.
Xabi Alonso moves to Chelsea, slot future remains uncertain
Alonso did not sit idly by as Liverpool refused to make a move. In a surprising development, Chelsea capitalized on the hesitation to formally announce the Spaniard as their new manager on a lucrative four-year contract.
This leaves Liverpool in a very precarious position. FSG are determined to break the narrative of disgruntled fans dictating the club’s direction, but maintaining faith in the slot is a big gamble.
The Dutchman has suffered a dramatic slump this season, losing his dressing room and being booed furiously by the Anfield fans.
Salah’s outburst and subsequent likes from several teammates added to the pressure on the Dutchman.
By letting Alonso slip by to their Premier League rivals, FSG’s stubbornness will either be corrected or it will be remembered as a historic mistake.
