“I have a suspicion” – Former star makes interesting Xabi Alonso Liverpool claim

“I have a suspicion” – Former star makes interesting Xabi Alonso Liverpool claim Former Chelsea Star Makes Interesting Xabi Alonso Claim Liverpool fans spent most of last season expecting Xabi Alonso to be the number one target, should Arne Slot be removed from his position as head coach. Fast forward to this summer, the former Liverpool midfielder was appointed Chelsea head coach in a surprise move. Weeks later, Liverpool removed Arne Slot from his role, with many believing they had missed a trick in moving for Alonso. Instead, the Anfield hierarchy moved quick to appoint Andoni Iraola, who had just guided AFC Bournemouth to European football for the first time in the club’s history. Eyebrows were raised, but you have to believe that it was all planned and Liverpool were more than happy to pass on Alonso, especially after the Spaniard turned down a return to Anfield two years earlier. However, former Chelsea star Pat Nevin, who spoke to Anfield Index, believes this wasn’t necessarily the case… Did Liverpool Want Alonso? When asked whether he was surprised that Xabi Alonso didn’t return to Liverpool, Nevin gave a firm response. He said: “Timing is everything. I have a suspicion that had he been available when Liverpool made their decision, he would be the Liverpool manager right now.” “That’s taking nothing away from Iraola. It’s just the fact that Xabi Alonso has done very, very well. He’s built a good background for himself and he’s got that love of Liverpool Football Club, so it would have fitted really nicely.” “But football’s like that and life is like that. Opportunities come at weird times. I understand why he took it at Chelsea and I don’t think it’ll affect him in a negative way. I still think he’ll be completely focused, even when we’re playing against Liverpool, there’s always that little bit of edge. I still think he’ll want to get one over on his old club.” Photo: IMAGO It’s certainly going to be strange seeing Alonso, who was once part of the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, sat in the Stamford Bridge dugout. But Liverpool are now set for a new era under Andoni Iraola, which is going to be really exciting. Let’s see how the season unfolds and the clashes between the two clubs has just developed a whole new narrative, which will be an interesting watch.