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The Spanish manager is the darling of both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but LaLiga giants Real Madrid are also in the mix
The managerial pursuits of Liverpool and Bayern Munich have hit stumbling blocks as Xabi Alonso, previously touted as a potential candidate for both clubs, seems set to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso set to reject both Liverpool and Bayern Munich
Alonso's name had been circulating as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, particularly after Klopp announced his departure from the club. However, Liverpool had received no indication that Alonso was seeking to leave his current position at the Bundesliga leaders.
It now appears that Alonso, aged 42, is no longer in contention for the managerial position at Anfield. This development leaves Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi as the leading candidates for the role.
Alonso's Impact at Leverkusen
Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, Alonso has overseen a remarkable transformation, propelling the club from the relegation zone to the summit of the Bundesliga. Leverkusen's impressive season sees them comfortably leading the league and progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals for the second consecutive year.
Liverpool's Shift in Focus
With Alonso seemingly out of reach, Liverpool's attention now turns to Amorim and De Zerbi. Amorim, known for his success at Sporting CP, has already secured one Portuguese league title and currently leads the table again. Meanwhile, De Zerbi guided Brighton to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season and has impressed in European competition.
Bayern's Managerial Dilemma
Bayern Munich, who had also expressed interest in Alonso, are facing their own managerial uncertainties. With Thomas Tuchel set to depart in the summer, Bayern must identify a suitable replacement. Reports suggest that Ralf Rangnick, the current Austria manager and former interim boss at Manchester United, could be a contender for the role.
As Liverpool and Bayern Munich navigate their managerial searches, the latest developments suggest that Xabi Alonso is likely to remain at Bayer Leverkusen. While Liverpool considers Amorim and De Zerbi for the vacant position, Bayern weighs its options in light of Tuchel's impending departure.
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