The latest Xabi Alonso news makes Jamie Carragher’s Chelsea claim look ridiculous
It felt a bit ridiculous at the time, but Jamie Carragher perhaps allowed his Liverpool connection to get the better of him when he said Xabi Alonso wouldn’t join Chelsea because he’d played for the Reds.
It has almost been 20 years since Alonso pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the final time. He ended his five-year stint at Anfield back in 2009, when he completed a £30m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
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Of course, Alonso is remembered fondly by those of a Liverpool persuasion. The midfielder was a crucial part of a Liverpool side that came from three goals down to beat AC Milan in the Champions League final.
That came in his first season at Anfield, and he would go on to play 210 times for the Reds. But his exit came a whole 17 years ago. Since then, Alonso has played and managed in both Spain and Germany.
Jamie Carragher said Xabi Alonso would not manage Chelsea
Speaking last month following Chelsea’s decision to axe Liam Rosenior, Carragher told Sky Sports that he couldn’t see Alonso joining the Blues because of his Liverpool past and how the two sides were rivals.
The Liverpool icon said: “I don’t see Xabi Alonso there, because of his link as a Liverpool player and Chelsea being a big rival at the time.” It seemed ridiculous at the time, given it was such a long time ago.
Especially because, while they were rivals and pushing for trophies regularly at the end of the season, it was not as if Chelsea and Liverpool were each other’s direct rivals. Certainly, they are not that anymore.
Alonso’s stance on Chelsea job is embarrassing for Carragher
Now, reports have emerged that, actually, Alonso is keen on becoming Chelsea’s next manager despite BlueCo’s trigger-happy approach to managers. Reports say BlueCo are willing to take a step back.
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Alonso has emerged as Chelsea’s main candidate, with Arne Slot expected to remain in the Liverpool hotseat despite pressure growing on the Dutchman. Now, it appears the Spaniard will take the Blues job.
It is clear that Carragher got it wrong. For Chelsea, it sees them appoint a forward-thinking manager with a wonderful CV that is likely to earn the trust and support of his players, where Liam Rosenior failed.
If BlueCo stay true to their word, and take a backseat in allowing Alonso to manage in the way he likes, then it could be a match made in heaven. Alonso and Chelsea might be the start of a new Blues era.
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