Xabi Alonso Emerges as Front-Runner for Surprising Premier League Role

 

 

Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner for a Premier League managerial role following his exit from Real Madrid.

Alonso took charge of his former club in May, leaving Bayer Leverkusen to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who had agreed to take over as Brazil’s head coach. However, his stint was short-lived amid reports of players struggling to adapt to his methods. After managing 34 games, Alonso’s tenure ended prematurely. Real Madrid confirmed his departure a day after losing the Supercopa de España to Barcelona, describing the split as a mutual decision. The club added that Alonso “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” due to his legendary status and embodiment of the club’s values. Alvaro Arbeloa, also a former Liverpool and Real player, has since been appointed as Madrid’s new manager.

In a statement, Alonso called coaching Real “an honour” and thanked the club, players, and supporters for their trust, saying he leaves with “respect, gratitude, and pride in having given my best.”

Alonso may not remain unemployed for long. Bookmakers now list him as the favourite to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham, following the Dane’s challenging start in North London. Betano offers 4/1 odds for Alonso, ahead of previous favourite Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace at 5/1. Fulham’s Marco Silva is 6/1, ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca 8/1, while former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, currently with the US national team, is 16/1. Other contenders include Jurgen Klopp and Roberto De Zerbi at 12/1, and Xavi Hernandez and Robbie Keane at 14/1.

During his Real tenure, Alonso achieved a 70.59% win rate, winning 24 of 34 games while losing six. With Barcelona four points ahead in La Liga, Madrid decided to make a change, leaving Alonso in uncertainty. At Leverkusen, the 44-year-old had previously guided the club to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, sit 14th in the Premier League after losing eight of their 21 matches.