Alonso Declines Marseille Manager Role, Speculation Grows Around Liverpool

omidbasir- Xabi Alonso has officially declined the opportunity to become the new manager of Olympique de Marseille, as reported by RMC Sport. The 44-year-old coach, who was dismissed by Real Madrid earlier this year after a challenging seven-month tenure, expressed concerns regarding the ongoing instability at the French club.

Marseille, in search of a successor for Roberto De Zerbi following his abrupt exit earlier this month, acted swiftly to approach Alonso. However, according to reports, this approach was promptly rebuffed. Alonso’s decision stems from his prior successful three-year stint at Bayer Leverkusen, which has made him cautious about stepping into an unstable environment.

This rejection comes amid growing speculation regarding a potential move to Liverpool. Although current Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp is not facing immediate danger, his team has struggled to replicate the success of his inaugural title-winning season. Despite substantial investment in the squad, Liverpool currently sits sixth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by 16 points.

The atmosphere at Marseille has been tense since De Zerbi’s departure by mutual consent after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on February 8. The situation escalated when sporting director Medhi Benatia, who previously played alongside Alonso at Bayern Munich, announced his resignation in a surprising statement.

In a surprising turn of events, club owner Frank McCourt rejected Benatia’s resignation and instead demoted club president Pablo Longoria, granting Benatia full control over sporting operations until the end of the season. Benatia expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am leaving with the feeling that I have done my utmost… but with regret that I have not been able to calm the environment around the team.”

For Alonso, the backdrop of boardroom conflicts and shifting hierarchies was a significant dealbreaker. Following his own tumultuous experience at Madrid, where his project faltered after a loss to Barcelona, he is prioritizing a stable environment that aligns with his coaching philosophy.

Reflecting on his reasons for stepping down, Benatia acknowledged the pressures of managing external expectations at the club. “Despite recent setbacks, the project is moving forward. However, I cannot ignore the current climate, which has led to a growing dissatisfaction that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only judge.”

McCourt remains committed to stabilizing the club to fulfill its European ambitions, stating, “As the owner, I am again taking on my responsibilities to ensure that the club remains focused on its objectives, especially qualifying for the next Champions League and performing well in the Coupe de France.”

Following Alonso’s refusal, Marseille has appointed former Newcastle defender Habib Beye, who took on the role just a week after his dismissal from Rennes. McCourt confirmed that this appointment aims to keep the team competitive under the new sporting structure led by Benatia.

With Marseille now off the table, Alonso’s availability continues to fuel speculation about a return to the Premier League. While he has expressed a desire for a short break after the rapid changes at Real Madrid, the potential vacancy at Liverpool presents an appealing opportunity. The stability at Anfield is viewed as more conducive to his coaching style compared to the uncertainty he sought to avoid in France.

Liverpool now faces a crucial series of matches to salvage their season and quell growing calls for a managerial change, beginning with their upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.