Manchester City is reportedly keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive manager, Xabi Alonso, as a potential candidate to replace Pep Guardiola when the time comes. Alonso’s name has been rising rapidly in the managerial world, thanks to his successful stint at Leverkusen, where he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform a team. However, Manchester City is not alone in considering the Spanish tactician for the top job, as Real Madrid also appears to be a potential destination. This report comes from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who also noted that Liverpool is no longer in the running, with the club content under the leadership of Arne Slot.
### Xabi Alonso’s Remarkable Achievements at Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso’s career as a manager has truly flourished since he took the reins at Bayer Leverkusen. In what many see as a surprising and meteoric rise, Alonso led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, achieving the historic feat without suffering a single league defeat. The title win solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. This unbeaten run in the Bundesliga not only showcased his tactical acumen but also his ability to inspire and lead a team through a highly competitive season.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen also made a strong run in European competitions. He guided them to the Europa League final, a testament to his ability to perform on the big stage. Despite a disappointing loss to Atalanta in that final, the club’s progress in Europe was seen as a significant achievement, further establishing Alonso’s credentials as a manager capable of competing at the highest levels.
### Why Manchester City is Interested in Alonso
Manchester City’s interest in Alonso as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola is a reflection of Alonso’s tactical flexibility, leadership skills, and footballing philosophy, which bears similarities to Guardiola’s renowned style. At Leverkusen, Alonso has employed a possession-based game that emphasizes quick, intelligent passing, high pressing, and tactical versatility—traits that have been synonymous with Guardiola’s Manchester City. With Guardiola’s tenure at City now in its eighth season, rumors of a possible future departure have been circulating, making Alonso a natural candidate to fill the potentially massive void.
City’s dominance under Guardiola has been unprecedented, with numerous Premier League titles, domestic cups, and a long-awaited UEFA Champions League victory. Guardiola’s tactical genius has redefined English football, and any successor would need to possess a similar level of strategic insight. Alonso, with his achievements in Germany and his deep understanding of the game as a former world-class midfielder, seems to have the qualities necessary to take the reins at the Etihad Stadium.
### Real Madrid’s Interest in Xabi Alonso
Manchester City isn’t the only powerhouse with Alonso on their radar. Real Madrid, a club where Alonso spent some of his prime playing years, is also seen as a possible next step for the Spaniard. Current manager Carlo Ancelotti has been a steady hand at the Santiago Bernabéu, but given the high-pressure environment of Real Madrid, there are constant speculations about his long-term future. Ancelotti’s incredible career, while still thriving, inevitably leads to questions about when he will decide to step down, and Alonso is seen as a strong contender to follow in the veteran’s footsteps.
Alonso’s deep connections with Real Madrid make this potential move a compelling story. Having played for the club between 2009 and 2014, Alonso is well-regarded at Madrid, and his knowledge of the club’s culture, expectations, and style of play would make him a fitting candidate. It’s easy to see why Los Blancos might favor Alonso, especially considering how he has proven his tactical skills and leadership abilities in Germany. Should the opportunity arise, returning to Madrid could be an irresistible offer for Alonso, who has always been seen as a natural future leader within the club.
### Why Liverpool is Out of the Running
While Alonso’s name has been linked with several top clubs, Liverpool is notably absent from serious consideration. The Reds have ruled themselves out of the running to bring their former midfielder back to Anfield, and the reason appears to be satisfaction with current manager Arne Slot. The Dutch coach, who took over in the summer, has been a revelation, guiding Liverpool back into the top echelons of English football with an exciting and effective playing style.
Slot’s early success has given Liverpool stability, and there is a sense that the club’s direction is now clear, with Slot leading a young and dynamic squad that aligns with Liverpool’s philosophy. Even though Alonso remains a fan favorite at Anfield due to his playing days, Liverpool’s hierarchy seems committed to giving Slot the time and resources to build his own legacy. While some fans might be disappointed at not seeing Alonso return in a managerial capacity, the progress under Slot has quieted most calls for a change.
### The Future of Xabi Alonso: City, Madrid, or Elsewhere?
The question of where Alonso might go next is a tantalizing one. For Manchester City, landing Alonso would mean securing a young, dynamic manager who has already demonstrated the ability to guide a team to silverware and perform in Europe’s toughest competitions. His time at Leverkusen has shown that he can blend tactical ingenuity with the kind of managerial calmness required at the highest level—a rare combination that would make him an ideal fit at a club like City, where expectations are sky-high.
However, Real Madrid is always a lurking presence when it comes to attracting top managerial talent, especially those with a history at the club. Should Ancelotti decide to step aside, Alonso’s candidacy would be a strong one, blending his knowledge of Madrid’s intricate politics with his fresh tactical perspective. A move to Madrid would also represent a sort of homecoming, potentially allowing him to bring new ideas while respecting the club’s traditional strengths.
One can’t discount the possibility of Alonso staying at Bayer Leverkusen for a while longer, either. The club’s leadership will likely be eager to keep hold of a manager who brought them historic success, and the chance to continue building a project in Germany might appeal to Alonso if he is given the resources to compete on the European stage again.
### The Pep Guardiola Legacy and Alonso’s Challenge
Replacing a manager like Pep Guardiola is no small task. Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has redefined what success looks like in the Premier League, and whoever follows him will face the weight of enormous expectations. Xabi Alonso, with his blend of modern tactical knowledge, charisma, and footballing intelligence, seems well-prepared for the challenge. His success at Bayer Leverkusen indicates that he could handle the pressure of a top-tier club, but taking the reins at City would be the biggest test of his managerial career.
It would also add an intriguing new chapter to the ongoing evolution of English football, with Alonso potentially following in the footsteps of his former mentor, Guardiola, whom he played under at Bayern Munich. If City does decide to pursue Alonso, fans will watch closely to see if the Spaniard can replicate or even surpass the incredible heights reached under Guardiola’s leadership.
### Conclusion: The Decision Ahead
As the managerial merry-go-round spins, Xabi Alonso’s next move remains a topic of keen interest. Whether he chooses to stay with Bayer Leverkusen and continue building on his early successes, make a triumphant return to Real Madrid, or take on the challenge of leading Manchester City in the post-Guardiola era, Alonso’s future is sure to shape the landscape of European football in the coming years. Each option presents unique challenges and rewards, and Alonso’s decision will likely be influenced by a mix of professional ambition, personal ties, and the allure of working at the highest levels of the game.
For now, Alonso remains focused on his duties at Leverkusen, but the interest from elite clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid serves as a reminder of just how far he has come in a short time as a manager. The world of football will be watching his next move closely, eager to see where his journey takes him next.